Adelaide-based Georgie Catania had Saturday off, so she has once again agreed to return Alice Springs on Sunday.
Catania made her Pioneer Park debut on August 25, and it proved a memorable occasion when she punched home two winners on the five-event program.
After getting stablemates Quanapirri Bay and Flying Start over the line for trainer Greg Connor, the 32-year-old came within a whisker of claiming a treble when Connor’s Delago Lad suffered a narrow loss.
She had four rides a fortnight later, with her best result a second on Flying Start.
Catania, who rides for leading SA trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly, has six rides on the seven-event program this weekend, and if form is any guide, she could have a good day.
The former Tasmanian jockey will partner Connor’s Quanapirri Bay ($2.70), Filthy Rich ($6) and Bold Tropic ($15), Will Savage’s Mi Mijo ($6), Sheila Arnold’s Lord George ($11) and Ray Viney’s Tango Stepz ($21).
Her best chance is perhaps Quanapirri Bay over 1000m (Class 2), with the five-year-old gelding having only missed finishing in the top five on two occasions in 14 Red Centre appearances.
He has had 14 starts for Connor, and although he has only had success on two occasions, the son of Rubick never seems to disappoint.
Racing SA’s jockey coach Dean Pettit contacted Catania’s partner Taylor Johnstone, an Adelaide apprentice aligned with the Andrew Gluyas stable, to ask if she was interested in going to Alice Springs, where she would also ride on a dirt track for the first time.
For various reasons, nine regular jockeys have not been spotted in Darwin and Alice Springs this season, and Thoroughbred Racing NT has had to rely on interstate riders.
“It was brought to my attention that there was a shortage of riders in Alice and if I was interested to go,” Catania said.
“I thought it would be a great experience and something different – I got a little bit of success up there the first meeting, which was good.
“You learn pretty quick that you’ve got to be very positive out of the machine, even if you are going to be back behind the field.
“I find that they jump and run in Alice.
“If you have got the right horse you can lead and dictate, but you’ve got to have something strong enough to do so.
“I’ve drawn good barriers in most races this weekend, so hopefully I can just land in a position and give them every chance.”
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