In-form Avdulla relishing opportunities
Brenton Avdulla is the form rider of the Sydney jockeys’ room as the competition intensifies in the lead-up to spring.
Avdulla has ridden seven winners and eight placegetters from 25 rides on Sydney tracks this season, only missing the top five three times.
He finished fourth in the Sydney premiership last year and was the leading rider on NSW tracks.
Avdulla relished the chance to ride for Godolphin while No.1 jockey James McDonald was in the UK, as well as riding for premier Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
“I think racing is all about opportunities,” Avdulla said.
“For trainers it’s about getting the right horses, for jockeys it’s about getting on the right horses.
“I’m getting on the right horses and trying to make the most of it.”
Avdulla takes the ride on Group Two Silver Shadow Stakes favourite Omei Sword at Randwick on Saturday.
“She looks a very talented filly,” Avdulla said.
“She ran second to Calliope last prep and I think she’s improved.”
Omei Sword is trained by Waller, as is Avdulla’s mount in the Up And Coming Stakes, Pound Sterling, who is coming off a maiden win at Warwick Farm on August 3.
“It’s obviously a big step up in grade but I think he’s a horse to follow through the prep,” Avdulla said.
He has two rides for Godolphin – Pearls in the Group Three Toy Show Quality (1300m) and Generalife in the Show County Quality (1200m).
“It’s an even mare’s race but Pearls seems like she’s going well,” Avdualla said.
“She’s on the minimum weight and she’s a stakes winner so I think she’s going well enough to run well.”
He said Generalife’s starting point had been delayed by wet tracks but on the horse’s day he could mix it with quality sprinters.
Avdulla also rides stayer Who Shot Thebarman who is going up against superstar stablemate Winx in the Group Two Warwick Stakes.