Mature age apprentice jockey Ryota (Rocky) Morimoto looks to have a strong chance to land his first winner with some good rides at the Devonport meeting on Sunday.
Ryota Morimoto, 26, has had just 11 rides since he began his career last month and so far, has two placings, a third on I'm Back at just his second race ride and a photo finish second placing on Cornelian Bay at this track a fortnight ago.
Cornelian Bay is one of his four rides on Sunday and looks to be the horse to beat in the final race of the afternoon. He has also been engaged to ride Mandela Effect in the 1350m Open Hcp and his 4kg claim could be the difference between winning and losing.
"He's (Mandela Effect) back in form, which has taken a long time, obviously he's been a serious horse in his day.
"Whether he's still got it all, I'm not sure, but the 4kg claim is going to be an advantage for him," trainer John Keys said of the nine-year-old.
Mandela Effect was back in the winner's stall in Hobart last start, his first win since February 2020, and although he may be past his best, he has won 13 races from 49 starts and amassed more than $760,000 in prize money.
Morimoto has been with the Keys stable for almost four years, starting out as a track rider.
"He was riding work and then decided he would like to become a jockey and I said its hard work but I'll stick with you if you're prepared to do the hard yards, he agreed and here we are.
"He's got a couple of good rides on Sunday; he's getting a bit stressed that he hasn't ridden a winner, but I'm not really fussed. He rode Vokes a treat the other day, he just got a bit excited in the straight and I don't think (that first winner) is far away."
Morimoto's two other rides on the card are Bankrollbenny in the Kevin Sharkie Maiden (1150m) and Aragon Star in the Thai Imperial BM64 (1150m).
The Winning Edge Presentations Open Hcp has drawn together a smart field and Keys will play a major role by saddling up Mandela Effect, Sir Simon and Street Tough.
"It's a tough race, and it will be a good race. There are probably half a dozen winning chances, Sir Simon will go forward with (David) Pires riding, and he may be our best winning hope.
"Street Tough races best when fresh, and he hasn't started for a while."
Looking for a couple of good things, I thought Monte Fleur could get punters off on the right note in the opening event. The 4YO mare has been placed at both her runs this time in and has her hoof on the till, while Spinhof, who won stylishly in Hobart on debut, could make it two from two in the Class 1 (1150m).
Trainer John Luttrell has a good opinion of the galloper, and in-form jockey Anthony Darmanin, coming off four winners last week, has the ride.
