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Moreira Booking a Big Thrill for Local Trainers and Owners

Having a jockey of Joao Moreira’s calibre at the UBET Adelaide Festival of Racing is huge coup for the carnival and racing in our state. But it’s also a massive thrill for the trainers and owners of some of our local hopes across the card.

Local trainers will bookend his day of rides tomorrow with Phillip Stokes and Gordon Richards two of the local trainers who will have the services of the world’s best jockey aboard their horses.  

Leading Adelaide trainer Phillip Stokes was keen to have Moreira on board Model Dragon and is hoping that he can get his day off to a great start in the first.

“It would be great to get him a winner with his first ride,” Stokes said. “Having him here is big win for the carnival and a big thrill for the fans. The government backing has been great in helping to draw the best horses and jockeys to Adelaide with the increased prizemoney.”

Stokes is confident that his mare Model Dragon can go one better than her last start second behind Beautiful Flyer. “I’m very happy with her. She missed the kick last start and still ran second and I’m looking for a forward showing from her tomorrow,” Stokes said.

At the other end of the card, Gordon Richards is hoping that Benz can add a Group 2 to his CV in the UBET Euclase Stakes.

“He (Benz) is in great shape. He had a hiccup in his last start but I’m 110% confident he’ll run well tomorrow,” said Richards.

When one of Benz’ owners found out that the ‘Magic Man’ would be riding in Adelaide, they got on the front foot to get the world’s best aboard.

“One of the owners asked me to chase it up when they found out he was coming. We got in touch with his people and had to wait a while for his reply. They’d almost given up hope when it took a few days but we were thrilled when he said he’d love to ride our horse,” Richards said.

“I know the owners are wrapped to have the world’s best jockey on board. It will be a real leg up for his chances in the race.”

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