Jockey James McDonald Seeks Record Win on Fangirl at Eagle Farm

Jockey James McDonald sits one victory short of Malcolm Johnston’s 1979-80 record of 16 Australian group 1 wins this season. He plans to ride Providence in the Queensland Derby and Fangirl in the Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday. McDonald has already partnered Fangirl to three group 1 victories in eight starts.

The mare underwent fetlock surgery earlier this year and returned in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick on April 18, finishing eighth.

Farm was rated a soft 7 late Friday after recent rain. McDonald said a further improvement into the slow range would suit the seven-year-old, which has four wins and two placings on soft ground. Fangirl has drawn barrier 16. McDonald noted the mare typically races one-dimensionally and relies on a strong finish.

Providence drew barrier eight and is equal favourite for the 2400-metre Queensland Derby after finishing third in the Rough Habit Plate. McDonald said the colt’s preparation has gone well. McDonald will miss next Saturday’s meeting due to suspension but plans to return for the June 13 Eagle Farm card, including the group 1 JJ Atkins.

If he does not reach the record on Saturday, that meeting will be his final opportunity before traveling to England for Royal Ascot. A separate eight-year-old grey gelding, Sir Ravanelli, is entered in the benchmark 78 handicap at Rosehill on Saturday.

Trainer Terry Evans said the horse has four wins and three seconds from nine heavy-track starts and will race in bar shoes because of soft feet.