Chief Stipe Posted October 17, 2021 Share Posted October 17, 2021 JockeysNSWThe Everest JMac just can’t get ‘Sweet Caroline’ out of his head James McDonald delights the adoring crowd after Nature Strip won The Everest. Picture: Mark Evans–Getty Images By Matt Jones08:00pm • 17 October 2021 Comments Sunday morning and James McDonald was still singing ‘Sweet Caroline’. Certainly it came as no surprise that the Neil Diamond classic was rattling around in his head after the events the previous day when a 10,000-strong Randwick crowd sang long and loud, along with McDonald as he held aloft The Everest trophy. You wouldn’t have blamed the champion hoop had he woken from his slumber foggy and nursing a sore head, after all less than 18 hours earlier he’d claimed the biggest prize in his brilliant riding career landing the $15m TAB Everest aboard Nature Strip. But instead McDonald admitted to keeping celebrations responsible, and very much to a minimum with his partner Katelyn Mallyon. “I did find it hard to sleep on the night after what happened,” McDonald said. “It was an unbelievable day and all credit to Nature Strip, he’s a very good horse. “Katelyn and I just kicked back, had a bit of pizza and a glass of champagne each and I was knackered after that. “I didn’t do much celebrating at all because I knew I was on my way to Melbourne the next morning.” McDonald jetted into Melbourne on Sunday for his first full day of self-isolation before he later in the week reunites with superstar galloper, and Cox Plate favourite, Zaaki on Saturday in the $5m race. The Annabel Neasham-trained runner wasn’t at his best in the Might And Power Stakes last start but McDonald is backing him to show his real self on the weekend. “They can sometimes not fire at Caulfield but I’m confident Zaaki will bounce back,” he said. While the next few days in quarantine are assured for McDonald he doesn’t know what the next few weeks will hold with the $7m Golden Eagle meeting in Sydney on the same day as Victoria Derby day at Flemington and then of course there’s the $8m Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November. Of course JMac will be in demand wherever he shows up, but in these tricky Covid restricted times just where that may be remains a mystery until next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 Supposedly they 'can sometimes not fire' at MV either. This will be Zaakis first try on the course n'est ce-pa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 1 hour ago, holy ravioli said: Supposedly they 'can sometimes not fire' at MV either. This will be Zaakis first try on the course n'est ce-pa. Seemed to relish the gallop there on Saturday. Are you not keeping up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 2 hours ago, Chief Stipe said: Seemed to relish the gallop there on Saturday. Are you not keeping up? A gallop,a trial are different from a race. Did Zaaki work at Caulfield.? Are you picking Zaaki to win the CP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloggs Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 14 minutes ago, holy ravioli said: A gallop,a trial are different from a race. Did Zaaki work at Caulfield.? Are you picking Zaaki to win the CP? Not around the Valley they're not, breakfast with the stars used to be a highlight, the 'bright' punters were there in force, and if they galloped well, well they raced well...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 12 minutes ago, Joe Bloggs said: Not around the Valley they're not, breakfast with the stars used to be a highlight, the 'bright' punters were there in force, and if they galloped well, well they raced well...... On that basis..all systems go for Zaaki. Do you think he will win? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holy ravioli Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 4 hours ago, Chief Stipe said: Seemed to relish the gallop there on Saturday. Are you not keeping up? ' 'That’s one of the main reasons we took him for a spin around the Caulfield course proper on Tuesday. Yes it was good that he had his first look at Caulfield, giving him a hitout on the tight track ahead of his tilt at the Group 1 Might And Power on Saturday.' All the signs are good for Zaaki as he chases his third Group 1 win. He’s naturally just kept improving and you will see on Saturday that he’s now looking even better in the coat.' He does still lay in a bit going the Melbourne way, although that doesn’t really worry me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloggs Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 1 hour ago, holy ravioli said: On that basis..all systems go for Zaaki. Do you think he will win? My pick this far out is Anamoe, race morning is the catalyst, if it's pouring [and it can] I may switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted October 18, 2021 Author Share Posted October 18, 2021 9 hours ago, Joe Bloggs said: race morning is the catalyst He's not racing Joe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Bloggs Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 1 hour ago, Chief Stipe said: He's not racing Joe. You cynic you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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