Jye McNeil eyes hat-trick aboard speedy filly Saluted at Sandown

Mercury

24-05-2025

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Jockey Jye McNeil has sights on a hat-trick aboard unbeaten filly Saluted.
The Robbie Griffiths-trained daughter of I Am Immortal is a $2.80 favourite in the 1000m 2YO Handicap on Saturday at Sandown.
Saluted did exactly that last month at Pakenham and The Valley, able to lead all the way to victory.
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'You got to be pretty talented to do that and it's probably a step up again but she's drawn well and her pattern is pretty straightforward,' McNeil said.
'She's fast from the barriers, around (Sandown) Hillside it will be a matter of containing energy for the long straight but there's no reason to say she can't perform at the level she has been.'
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Saluted is one of three last start juvenile winners in a competitive contest including Frostnip ($5) and Mrs Iglesia ($17), also in hat-trick contention after provincial Cranbourne and Warrnambool wins.
Miss Ole, a $3.20 second favourite, placed fifth on debut behind Mrs Iglesia but trialled impressively since.
Saluted and Jye McNeil salute at The Valley last month. Picture: George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos
The Clinton McDonald-trained Ole Kirk filly placed second in an 800m heat behind I'mateez recently and that colt franked the form last Wednesday, with a gallant second at Sandown on debut.
First-starter Espana, a $17 chance, could easily outperform market expectations.
McNeil, who rode Liberami to victory last Saturday at Flemington, is equal 10th in the metropolitan premiership with 30 city winners this season including 10 for Griffiths.
'He's always been a great supporter and become good friends, I've ridden for him since I was an apprentice, some 12-13 years now, which doesn't feel that long ago now,' McNeil said.
'He's supported me my whole career and it's a stable in really good form as well, that always helps.'
Originally published as Jye McNeil eyes hat-trick aboard speedy filly Saluted at Sandown