Jockey Andrew Adkins is set to ride a strong hand at Royal Randwick on Saturday, featuring prominently in several key races including a step up to stakes company aboard Anthracite in the Listed Sydney Gold Cup. The six-year-old gelding, trained by Joe Pride, will contest the 2000-meter event with a $750,000 purse.
Adkins, 29, has developed a close and productive partnership with Anthracite, a lightly raced son of Mongolian Khan who previously trained under Gary Boyce in South Australia before transferring to Pride’s stable a year ago. Since that change, the horse has gradually found form, recording three wins from six starts with Adkins aboard, while placing in the remaining efforts.
“He’s a good, honest horse, a real jockey’s delight,” Adkins said. “I love him. He’s cool, he’s tough. He’s everything a jockey wants.” Despite earlier defeats to noted stayers Pinhole, Aethelwulf, and King Of The Sea, Anthracite has demonstrated strong recent form, winning three of his last four starts. Adkins is confident the gelding can handle the challenge of running on only seven days’ rest.
“We’ve drawn well on Saturday, so I’d expect nothing to be any different,” he said. “He’ll go forward, make his own luck and give them something to catch with no weight.”
In addition to Anthracite, Adkins will ride three more horses on the program. Among these is Coal Crusher, also trained by Pride, who will compete in the $3 million Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes over 1300 meters. Adkins noted this will be Coal Crusher’s third run, expecting improved performance from a favorable draw.
The jockey will also partner Platinum Pantheon in the $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle (1500 meters), trained by New Zealand’s Lisa Latta. This marks their first collaboration, with Adkins optimistic following the horse’s recent effort and advantageous barrier position.
“His last run was better than it looks,” Adkins said. “Drawn perfectly on Saturday, he will run well.”
Rounding out Adkins’ engagements on the day is Clancy, trained by Ron Quinton, in the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway (1500 meters). The jockey commented on Clancy’s consistency and expressed enthusiasm for a possible victory that would benefit both Quinton and co-trainer Bob.
“He’s a consistent horse that should run well. It would be great to win for Ron and Bob,” Adkins added.
Saturday’s card at Royal Randwick presents several opportunities for Adkins to further showcase his growing reputation and strong relationships with trainers and horses alike.