Rachel King reins in memorable city double
Rachel King’s first Saturday win had barely sunk in before the apprentice notched a double.
Rachel King’s first Saturday win had barely sunk in before the English-born apprentice notched a double at Rosehill.
King registered her first milestone when she piloted Just Dreaming to win the McGrath Estate Agents (1500m) for trainer Kris Lees.
Later in the program, King, who is apprenticed to the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott training partnership, rewarded the stable’s faith aboard Supply And Demand.
King carried out the race plan with precision aboard the $3.40 favourite in the Eremein Handicap (1800m) to celebrate a pleasing victory.
Waterhouse and Bott entrusted the 26-year-old with Stampede in the Listed Wagga Wagga Gold Cup last month, and King paid them back with her first stakes win.
“That (Wagga) was a big stepping stone for me,” King said.
“Gai’s not normally too keen to put apprentices on when they can’t claim. She’s happy to put trust in me so hopefully I can repay her.”
Supply and Demand ($3.40) set the pace throughout and kicked in the home straight to put his rivals away.
The four-year-old scored by 1-1/4 lengths from Tucanchoo ($8) with Alegria ($11) another half length back in third.
“I was able to give him a squeeze early to get to the lead and then he relaxed really nicely. He gave a good kick at the top of the straight and it was never in doubt,” she said.
Bott praised King as she returned to scale.
“She’s a good positive jockey, a good front-running jockey and it’s a real talent being able to rate those horses well in front.
“We went out there with a game plan to dictate from in front with the light weight, then try and pinch a break and she executed it perfectly.”
Supply and Demand also received kudos after stepping up to 1800m for the first time.
“He answered a few questions for us today, we were a little bit unsure with the distance,” Bott said.
“He’s rock-hard fit and the 51kg was probably also the key. Being this far into his preparation (seven races) this was the time to test him and we might be able to get him a little bit further.”
As he celebrated the win, Bott denied reports of a rift between himself and Waterhouse who is holidaying overseas.