Jocasta (4m Choisir x Saratoga by Show A Heart) has shown a propensity to be slow away at the start of each race. From the six starts this year she finished runner up on five occasions – three of them by a margin of 0.2 lengths or less. Her racing pattern and luck seemed mutually exclusive. She missed by the smallest of margins at Seymour – beating the third horse by five lengths.
Following the Seymour race trainer Troy Corstens claimed: “She has been very but she is thriving. I think back ups will suit her”. Troy identified a race at Wangaratta just eight days following Jocasta’s Seymour run as a suitable next start. Stable rider and apprentice Liam Riordan was selected to ride. He knew the mare. He knew her ability and he knew her quirks.
As usual she was the slowest to begin but despite being on the $1.70 favourite and with the entire field in front of him Liam did not panic. He gave Jocasta a soft run to the turn and patiently waited for an opportunity.When a gap presented he punched her through. In a heartbeat the race was over. Jocasta won by more than two lengths ridden hands and heels to the line.
Race replay: R5 Wangaratta 31 Mar 17
