Latest news with #JasonCollett
The Australian
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Sydney jockey Jason Collett has an appetite for more Group 1 success after breakout year
The evolution of Jason Collett sits on the precipice of entering its most significant phase. Collett, one of racing's quiet achievers, has been riding in Sydney for the past decade but there's a sense the Kiwi-born hoop is riding as well as ever. This week alone, the 34-year-old has ridden seven city winners – headlined by a four-timer at Royal Randwick last Saturday. It helped cement Collett's best-ever finish in the Sydney jockeys' premiership, a second behind James McDonald, with a new career benchmark of 74 city winners for the campaign. Add in his biggest ever Group 1 triumph aboard Stefi Magnetica in the Doncaster Mile in the autumn and a career-best 18 stakes winners, it's easy to see why now more than ever Collett is considered among Sydney's elite. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Behind it all remains a laid-back and calm demeanour with an insatiable appetite for more. 'I want more Group 1s,' Collett said. 'I want bigger race wins and those stakes wins help lead to that. 'That's what you need. To get on more of those better horses in those better races but it's evolving nicely.' Collett is quick to identify Stefi Magnetica and Group 1 Champagne Stakes runner-up Within The Law as two of those 'better horses'. Just this week, he got the chance to jump back aboard Within The Law as the Bjorn Baker-trained filly had her first trial this preparation at Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday. Baker has aspirations of aiming Within The Law at Sydney's Princess Series with a Group 1 Flight Stakes tilt on the agenda on October 4 where she is an $8 third elect. • Rosehill Turf Talk: Mitch's big throw at stumps on $151 shot Within The Law saves her best work for race day with Collett keen to see her back at the races. 'She doesn't show a lot in trials or a lot in trackwork either so there isn't really a great deal to get excited about after a trial,' he said. 'We gave her a nice hitout and she was pushed out, that's the norm with her. 'It would be great to get a Group 1 with her and the Flight Stakes would be the target and we know she will run the mile. 'The 1400m and a mile is going to be her and those early races could potentially be a bit sharp.' Stefi Magnetica gave both Baker and Collett the biggest wins of their careers when she won the Group 1 Doncaster Mile on Day 1 of The Championships. Another big spring campaign looms. 'She is going to head towards weight-for-age racing now because she has won two of the biggest handicaps (including the Stradbroke),' Collett said. 'I have no worries she will be able to do it. 'Hopefully she can win another Group 1 now.' Jason Collett gives the thumbs-up after winning the Doncaster Mile on Stefi Magnetica in April. Pictures: Getty Images While Group 1s are sweet, Collett has made a habit of making his presence felt on regular occasions in town in recent seasons. He isn't one to set specific premiership targets at the beginning of a season but the carrot of finishing second in the Sydney title race for the first time added fuel to his late form surge. A midweek treble at Warwick Farm helped Collett eclipse his previous season best of 72 Sydney winners and edge out Zac Lloyd (67 winners) for the runner-up spot. 'When it got to the last month and a half and I thought I was obviously close enough to Zac, I thought we will try and get second if we can,' Collett said. '(wife) Clare and I had a family holiday booked in early July but in saying that, as it evolved, I thought if we were close enough it would be good to get. 'As it turned out it ended up being quite comfortable in the end.' • Schiller gets green light for early spring return Collett can pick up where he left off and get the new season off to a flying start aboard the Chris Waller-trained Narbold in the Capitivant @ Kia Ora Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Waller runners will make up half of the field in the opener with Narbold ($4.20) only shaded by Amusing ($2.90 favourite) in betting. Collett partnered Narbold two starts ago when a close second behind Centenario in a 1550m event at Canterbury before the gelding finishing fourth behind Amusing at the same track and trip last start. 'He just seemed to find one better when he loomed up two starts ago off a good tempo,' Collett said. 'His run last start was good when he was ridden on speed and I think he is better when he's ridden a bit quieter. 'From the barrier he should get a soft run in what looks to be a small field.' Collett on board another of his big mounts, Within The Law. Picture: Bradley Photos The Richard and Will Freedman-trained Cold Brew mirrors Collett's hot streak with the emerging talent set to hunt three straight wins in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m). Cold Brew, a $4.80 chance, has put together victories at Hawkesbury and Newcastle and deserves another crack in town. 'He's in a Midway horses where there is a few older horses there but he's progressive,' Collett said. 'I am looking forward to him. 'The ground will no doubt be a question mark for every horse but he is going well and when I rode him two back he won easily. 'He was tough last start when they got to him and he was a bit green but he is going well.' • NSW racing in the hands of weather gods Collett is hopeful King Taurus ($15) can bring his polytrack form to town in the TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap (1200m) while he's happy to wait patiently for the chance to pilot Catch The Glory ($15) late in the card. The Jason Coyle-trained Catch The Glory ($15) is second-up in the Congratulations Chris Waller Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m). 'I think Catch The Glory is a good ride,' Collett said. 'She was out of her grade last start but had been trialling up really well. 'She is out of Zousain so should handle the wet and I think she is going well this horse.' Racing is expected to take place on another heavy track in Sydney with rain forecast on Friday and race day. Few ride wet conditions better than Collett. 'I don't have any secret to it, it's just get them to travel and balance and if they get through it, they get through it,' Collett said.
News.com.au
31-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Jason Collett has an appetite for more Group 1 success after breakout year
The evolution of Jason Collett sits on the precipice of entering its most significant phase. Collett, one of racing's quiet achievers, has been riding in Sydney for the past decade but there's a sense the Kiwi-born hoop is riding as well as ever. This week alone, the 34-year-old has ridden seven city winners – headlined by a four-timer at Royal Randwick last Saturday. It helped cement Collett's best-ever finish in the Sydney jockeys' premiership, a second behind James McDonald, with a new career benchmark of 74 city winners for the campaign. Add in his biggest ever Group 1 triumph aboard Stefi Magnetica in the Doncaster Mile in the autumn and a career-best 18 stakes winners, it's easy to see why now more than ever Collett is considered among Sydney's elite. Behind it all remains a laid-back and calm demeanour with an insatiable appetite for more. 'I want more Group 1s,' Collett said. 'I want bigger race wins and those stakes wins help lead to that. 'That's what you need. To get on more of those better horses in those better races but it's evolving nicely.' Collett is quick to identify Stefi Magnetica and Group 1 Champagne Stakes runner-up Within The Law as two of those 'better horses'. Just this week, he got the chance to jump back aboard Within The Law as the Bjorn Baker-trained filly had her first trial this preparation at Rosehill Gardens on Tuesday. Baker has aspirations of aiming Within The Law at Sydney's Princess Series with a Group 1 Flight Stakes tilt on the agenda on October 4 where she is an $8 third elect. • Rosehill Turf Talk: Mitch's big throw at stumps on $151 shot Within The Law saves her best work for race day with Collett keen to see her back at the races. 'She doesn't show a lot in trials or a lot in trackwork either so there isn't really a great deal to get excited about after a trial,' he said. 'We gave her a nice hitout and she was pushed out, that's the norm with her. 'It would be great to get a Group 1 with her and the Flight Stakes would be the target and we know she will run the mile. 'The 1400m and a mile is going to be her and those early races could potentially be a bit sharp.' Stefi Magnetica gave both Baker and Collett the biggest wins of their careers when she won the Group 1 Doncaster Mile on Day 1 of The Championships. Another big spring campaign looms. 'She is going to head towards weight-for-age racing now because she has won two of the biggest handicaps (including the Stradbroke),' Collett said. 'I have no worries she will be able to do it. 'Hopefully she can win another Group 1 now.' While Group 1s are sweet, Collett has made a habit of making his presence felt on regular occasions in town in recent seasons. He isn't one to set specific premiership targets at the beginning of a season but the carrot of finishing second in the Sydney title race for the first time added fuel to his late form surge. A midweek treble at Warwick Farm helped Collett eclipse his previous season best of 72 Sydney winners and edge out Zac Lloyd (67 winners) for the runner-up spot. 'When it got to the last month and a half and I thought I was obviously close enough to Zac, I thought we will try and get second if we can,' Collett said. '(wife) Clare and I had a family holiday booked in early July but in saying that, as it evolved, I thought if we were close enough it would be good to get. 'As it turned out it ended up being quite comfortable in the end.' Collett can pick up where he left off and get the new season off to a flying start aboard the Chris Waller -trained Narbold in the Capitivant @ Kia Ora Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Waller runners will make up half of the field in the opener with Narbold ($4.20) only shaded by Amusing ($2.90 favourite) in betting. Collett partnered Narbold two starts ago when a close second behind Centenario in a 1550m event at Canterbury before the gelding finishing fourth behind Amusing at the same track and trip last start. 'He just seemed to find one better when he loomed up two starts ago off a good tempo,' Collett said. 'His run last start was good when he was ridden on speed and I think he is better when he's ridden a bit quieter. 'From the barrier he should get a soft run in what looks to be a small field.' The Richard and Will Freedman -trained Cold Brew mirrors Collett's hot streak with the emerging talent set to hunt three straight wins in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m). Cold Brew, a $4.80 chance, has put together victories at Hawkesbury and Newcastle and deserves another crack in town. 'He's in a Midway horses where there is a few older horses there but he's progressive,' Collett said. 'I am looking forward to him. 'The ground will no doubt be a question mark for every horse but he is going well and when I rode him two back he won easily. 'He was tough last start when they got to him and he was a bit green but he is going well.' • NSW racing in the hands of weather gods Collett is hopeful King Taurus ($15) can bring his polytrack form to town in the TAB Highway Class 3 Handicap (1200m) while he's happy to wait patiently for the chance to pilot Catch The Glory ($15) late in the card. The Jason Coyle -trained Catch The Glory ($15) is second-up in the Congratulations Chris Waller Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m). 'I think Catch The Glory is a good ride,' Collett said. 'She was out of her grade last start but had been trialling up really well. 'She is out of Zousain so should handle the wet and I think she is going well this horse.' Racing is expected to take place on another heavy track in Sydney with rain forecast on Friday and race day. Few ride wet conditions better than Collett. 'I don't have any secret to it, it's just get them to travel and balance and if they get through it, they get through it,' Collett said.
News.com.au
27-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Mitch Cohen's Blackbook: Five to follow from Royal Randwick
Daily Telegraph racing writer Mitch Cohen has analysed the Royal Randwick meeting on Saturday and found a few worth following. FIVE TO FOLLOW KOIBITO (race 1, 4th) The winner Nashville Jack is a horse you will see in better races but this filly did a terrific job on debut, doing her best work late. She might be a prep away but has potential. SO YOU ARE (race 3, 2nd) This lightly-raced son of So You Think is still learning his craft and hit the line nicely over 1800m in the Highway. He will come into his own over 2000m plus. GLORIOUS MOMENTS (race 4, 1st) It was only a Benchmark 72 but it's easy to see the son of Brutal landing in better races soon. He's got stakes quality and will go through his grades quickly. GLORIOUS 🙌 How good was that from Glorious Moments and @HeavelonVan! Utterly dominant in the fourth at Randwick ðŸ'°ðŸ'° — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 26, 2025 SLINKY (race 7, 3rd) Put a line through her run two starts ago when she landed too close, she produced a far better run ridden cold. If she finds herself in a race with speed on next start she's worth backing. TRAVOLTA (race 10, 1st) He's won two of his three starts this preparation and can steadily go through his grades in his second preparation in Australia. Back him with confidence if the track is wet. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER FOR JASON COLLETT 🕰🰩 He makes it a quartet to finish the day at Randwick on TRAVOLTA 😎 Who was Stayin' Alive in the Quaddie until then? — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 26, 2025 STEWARDS SAY Open Secret (race 1): Did not feel comfortable on the soft track. Was found to be coughing post-race and will undergo further veterinary checks, including an endoscopic examination. Forecaster (race 2): Apprentice William Stanley was fined $500 for striking the gelding nine times before the 100m, four more than permitted. In Summer (race 3): Jockey Jason Collett felt the prevailing racing surface hampered her ability to close off as expected. Ruby Flyer (race 5): Did not travel comfortably on the soft track and failed to fire. Was found to be slow to recover post-race. Storm The Ramparts (race 8): A post-race veterinary examination revealed the gelding was slow to recover and lost his off-fore plate. He will be spelled. The Black Cloud (race 8): Did not let down under pressure and weakened in the straight. Another horse that was slow to recover post-race. Kazalark (race 10): Late scratching at 9.55am on vets advice after being found lame in the off-foreleg. CRUNCH TIME Nashville Jack (race 1): Surged home along the inside to finish his last 600m in 36.09 seconds. Wisnierska (36.08) and Koibito (36.03) both got home well in behind. Investment (race 6): She was last at one stage but relished the conditions as she was a race best split for every furlong from the 1000m to the finish. Her last 600m of 38.90 seconds was a clear best. Cigar Flick (race 8): Only had a couple of runners behind her in the run before doing her best work down the outside to finish her last 600m in 35.45 seconds. Her last 200m of 12.45 was the best of the race. Regimental Colours (race 9): Showed a terrific finishing burst, running the best final three furlongs of the race to win with splits of 11.62, 11.71 and 12.61 seconds. Her last 600m totally 35.94. Regimental Colours strikes late! ðŸ'¥ The @BBakerRacing filly wins race 9 at Randwick, that's three wins today for Jason Collett! ðŸ'¥ — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 26, 2025 TRACK TALK 'He is a nice horse, he has a bit of substance to him.' - Jockey Jason Collett on Nashville Jack. 'I was actually watching the race with Charlie (Duckworth) and said 'I don't know what this Tommy is doing, we said we were going to come through them and have the last crack at them'. Then I said after the race 'that's why Tommy is a jockey and I am a trainer'. - Chris Waller after Cigar Flick's win. 'He's a lovely horse. It's taken a fair while for us to get to this point but finally he's starting to show what we've known he has.' - Stable rep Keith Lam on Glorious Moments. 'If I get offered the chance I'll jump on a plane to come back and ride this horse. I'd go anywhere to ride him.' - Jockey Heavelon Van Der Hoven, who moved to Brisbane on Sunday, on Glorious Moments. 'I thought she could improve a bit today. I said to a few people she had a sneaky chance.' Joe Pride after $61 shot Investment saluted. THIS WEEK IN NSW RACING Monday: Kempsey Tuesday: Wagga, Wellington Wednesday: Warwick Farm Thursday: Scone Friday: Kembla Grange, Coffs Harbour
Sydney Morning Herald
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘He won like someone shot him out of a gun': Smith backs fresh approach with World Alliance
Trainer Matthew Smith is confident World Alliance can fire again in Saturday company after keeping him fresh following an explosive win at Canterbury. World Alliance scorched past the Joe Pride-trained The Black Cloud over the final 100m of a 1100m benchmark 88 handicap on June 9 after being held up for a run. Smith has saved the Rubick five-year-old for Saturday's 1200m test in the same grade, the eighth race, where Jason Collett rides from gate six. The Warwick Farm trainer has placed World Alliance ($6.50) well in the past, landing six wins and five placings in 16 career starts. His only Saturday city win came at Randwick in August. 'We've just wanted to keep him fresh,' Smith said. 'He was kept fresh for that last run, and it just seems to be the key to him. 'He just goes good early in his prep and the longer prep you give him, he trains off, so we've gone the month between runs. 'He won like someone shot him out of a gun the other day at Canterbury, and he's going as good as he was going into that run, so I'm pretty happy with him. 'He likes it wet, a good gate and Jason Collett on, and he's won four on him.' Smith also has a chance in the feature race, the listed Winter Stakes, with Astero. The seven-year-old was third last start behind Headley Grange and Welwal in the Civic Stakes at Randwick over the same distance.
The Age
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
‘He won like someone shot him out of a gun': Smith backs fresh approach with World Alliance
Trainer Matthew Smith is confident World Alliance can fire again in Saturday company after keeping him fresh following an explosive win at Canterbury. World Alliance scorched past the Joe Pride-trained The Black Cloud over the final 100m of a 1100m benchmark 88 handicap on June 9 after being held up for a run. Smith has saved the Rubick five-year-old for Saturday's 1200m test in the same grade, the eighth race, where Jason Collett rides from gate six. The Warwick Farm trainer has placed World Alliance ($6.50) well in the past, landing six wins and five placings in 16 career starts. His only Saturday city win came at Randwick in August. 'We've just wanted to keep him fresh,' Smith said. 'He was kept fresh for that last run, and it just seems to be the key to him. 'He just goes good early in his prep and the longer prep you give him, he trains off, so we've gone the month between runs. 'He won like someone shot him out of a gun the other day at Canterbury, and he's going as good as he was going into that run, so I'm pretty happy with him. 'He likes it wet, a good gate and Jason Collett on, and he's won four on him.' Smith also has a chance in the feature race, the listed Winter Stakes, with Astero. The seven-year-old was third last start behind Headley Grange and Welwal in the Civic Stakes at Randwick over the same distance.
