Knucklebones (NZ) ridden by Jamie Mott wins the AESM Essential Services Plate at Mornington Racecourse on January 01, 2024 in Mornington, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)
The Waikato Stud colours carried by I Wish I Win will also be seen in Melbourne on Saturday when Knucklebones runs at Caulfield.
I Wish I Win is favourite for the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday while Knucklebones is near the top of the market for the Next Payments Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.
Knucklebones is prepared at Mornington by David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins and Brideoake had plans of joining the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman trained I Wish I Win in a campaign in Brisbane.
But those plans were abandoned after Knucklebones finished seventh behind Sure over 1600m at Caulfield on May 11.
A start in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben last Saturday had been under consideration for the filly with the potential of progressing to the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.
“That was a pretty nondescript sort of run last time,” Brideoake said.
“We didn’t have a lot of luck and I think she’ll improve off that run.”
Brideoake has elected to go back to the services of Jamie Mott after apprentice Ryan Houston rode Knucklebones at her last start.
Mott was aboard the filly in her debut win at Mornington on New Year’s Day and again following a freshen up when successful at Cranbourne prior to her Caulfield performance.
“Getting Jamie back on is a plus and he has had plenty of experience on this filly,” Brideoake said.
“He had ridden her in her three starts before her run at Caulfield last time.
“I’m happy with how she’s progressed from that last start and I’m happy to run her.”
Knucklebones was one of 15 nominations for Saturday’s race which after acceptance will see a field of just seven line up.
The filly joins Subrising at the head of the weights as the only two multiple winners in the race.