Jamie Mott’s opportunity aboard Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto) came about due to a fellow rider being suspended, but he is hoping to cement his position in the saddle aboard the mare who could be bound for England later in the year.
Mott will partner Roch ‘N’ Horse in this Saturday’s A$1 million Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington.
Trainer Mike Moroney called on Mott for the Gr.1 Champions Sprint (1200m) after Patrick Moloney was suspended in the Melbourne Cup and the duo scored an upset win over Nature Strip (Nicconi) in the A$3 million feature.
Mott is only booked for this weekend, but he is hoping his association with the six-year-old will become a long one.
“Obviously it’s one step at a time, but she’s a very good horse that’d I’d love to stay on,” Mott said.
“She’s come back in super order and they’ll definitely know she’s there on Saturday.”
Roch ‘N’ Horse will run in the Lightning before defending the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) crown she won at $101 last year. The daughter of Per Incanto could then be off to Royal Ascot.
Mott was aboard when Roch ‘N’ Horse she took part in an 800m three-horse jumpout down the Flemington straight last Friday, in which she finished at the flanks of Nature Strip and Mott was thrilled with the feel she gave him.
“I think she’s definitely come on. She’s furnished a little bit more,” he said.
“Hopefully that puts her in good stead come next Saturday and we can win another Group One.
“Obviously her Group One’s (wins) are over 1200 (metres), but she’s going in nice and fresh.”
Roch ‘N’ Horse was one of 15 nominations for the Black Caviar Lightning with Nature Strip, Coolangatta (Written Tycoon), I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel), Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) and Marabi (I Am Invincible) among her potential rivals.