Riddell reunited with outstanding mare

Jonathan Riddell will resume his association with the glamour grey I Do at Hawera this Saturday.

The 36-year-old Awapuni-based jockey knows the mare well having won two black type races on her last season and they will be looking to go one better in the Gr.3 Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes.

Riddell and I Do were narrowly beaten in the feature by Postmans Daughter 12 months ago, after which they combined to win the Gr.3 Manawatu Challenge Stakes and the Listed Tauranga Classic.

“Jonathan has ridden her quite a few times and I’m more than happy to have him on,” trainer Allan Sharrock said.

Riddell is a beneficiary of the self-imposed exile of Opie Bosson, who won the Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes on I Do before they finished second behind Pure Champion in the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate.

“I couldn’t be happier with the mare and she’s spot on,” Sharrock said. “She worked over 1000 metres this (Tuesday) morning and ran the last 600 in 38.5 when the rest of them were running 40.

“She’s showing no signs of relenting and the Captain Cook Stakes will be her main aim. After this one we’ll look at the weight-for-age mile at Tauranga, that’s the only race that fits in to have her ready.

“It could then be the Zabeel Classic or the Manawatu Challenge Stakes.”

Bred and raced in partnership by Sharrock and Waikato Stud, I Do is also booked for a return visit to the Matamata farm’s premier stallion Savabeel.

“They didn’t serve her last time – they just missed the cycle,” Sharrock said.