Caitlin Jones is hoping lightning can strike a second time for Alice Springs galloper Saxatoxl in Saturday’s $502,250 Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.
Savatoxl proved a giant killer in 2021 when he completed a fairytale ride for connections winning The Goodwood when under the care of Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
And he’s on a proven path to this year’s feature back under the care of his original trainer and part-owner Will Savage after winning a second D C McKay Stakes at Morphettville two weeks ago with Jones back in the saddle.
“He’s quite sentimental to me this horse. He was my first ever listed winner as a senior rider a week out of my apprenticeship so he’s always going to hold a special place,” said Jones.
“And then to come out the other day and win the Group 3 on him - also my first group win - it was a very special moment for me, and now I’m obviously partnering up (with him) in a Group 1 which is a real privilege.”
Jones was aboard him winning the 2020 Listed Christmas Handicap at Morphettville before finishing down the track in the 2021 Irwin Stakes which saw Barend Vorster replace her in the saddle and win the McKay and Goodwood.
“At the end of the day Barend Vorster was stable rider for Tony and Calvin McEvoy and I was very lucky to land an opportunity on him to win the Listed race.
“I then had another spin on him and it didn’t quite work out with the desired result which can happen. From there on out Barend continued a relationship with the horse and he was doing the work at the farm so he deserved those winning successes with Tony and Calvin,” said Jones.
The 32-year-old jockey couldn’t hide her delight after drawing barrier six with the second last selection at Tuesday’s barrier draw, and Savatoxl is showing all the signs that he’s in as good a shape as when he won his one and only Group 1.
“He seems to be doing really well here back in SA. He’s been back up in Alice Springs and resumed there with Will Savage and made the trip down and he’s continued to do well,” said Jones.
“So he’s as tough as they come and he doesn’t know he’s seven years old, so if he’s in a great mind space which I think he is, and he’s a very strong galloper, he’s certainly right in it to the finish.
“Any opportunity to ride over the carnival especially in these group races you’ve got to grab it with both hands.
“I’m really confident in the horse I’m riding, I’ve got a good rapport with him having only had three rides for two wins, so we’re going to make it three from four on Saturday,” she said.
