Tomlinson ready for black-type test on Star Of Michelin
Apprentice jockey Sheriden Tomlinson gets his first Listed ride on Saturday aboard Star Of Michelin in the Tattersall’s Members Cup at the Sunshine Coast, and he is hopeful of pinching the $125,000 feature.
The 21-year-old has a strong affinity with Stuart Kendrick’s gelding, having ridden him three times for two wins and a second, and the young hoop believes he is a genuine chance over the 1600m.
“I don’t know what it is. He just seems to run well for me, he jumps for me and races up on the speed. We get along good,” Tomlinson said.
“I’m actually very excited to ride him, it’s my first Listed race and he’s a good horse, a horse that I know so I’m very excited.”
Star Of Michelin has won just the two races at his home track, and both times he was partnered by Tomlinson over the mile.
The horse is yet to be tested on a Heavy surface, which is forecasted for Saturday, but Tomlinson believes he should get through the conditions with no issues.
“He just hasn’t had enough of a chance, I think if it’s a Soft it’ll be perfect for him,” he said.
He added that the gelded son of Jet Spur, who carries just 54kg this weekend, would appreciate the minimum weight given he has had to lug the likes of 60kg and 59.5kg this campaign.
With a lack of speed in the race outside of Dissolution and Willo Titto, Star Of Michelin has the chance to box seat from barrier four and have the race favourite, Ligulate, spotting them a fair start.
“There’s not much speed in it at all really,” Tomlinson said.
“I think we’ll be settling right up there behind them, we’ll be right behind the speed and I think the favourite, Ligulate, will be back near last.
“If we can kick away, he’s always up for a challenge, so we might be able to pinch it.”
Tomlinson also rides for Gary Duncan on board Incerto in the Travis Schultz & Partners Jewel Prelude 3YO Handicap at the Sunshine Coast meeting, and he said he appreciated the opportunity to stick with the undefeated gelding.
Off the track, Tomlinson and several other jockeys will be stepping into the boxing ring to participate in Fight For A Cause, raising awareness for mental health.
“It means a lot to me, I’ve lost a few friends to suicide and stuff like that, so to get in there, do them proud and raise a bit of money for charity, it’s something I look forward to,” he said.
Plenty of tickets are still available for what shapes to be a fantastic night on April 24, 2021.