Leading jockey James McDonald is set for a busy day at Flemington this Saturday, where he will contest nine races during Derby Day, traditionally regarded as one of Australia’s premier race days. McDonald expressed confidence in his mounting lineup ahead of the event, which marks the opening day of the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Derby Day features several marquee races, with particular attention on the Coolmore Stud Stakes. McDonald will ride St Gotthard in this event, facing strong competition including the fillies Natural Fling and Satono Glow, as well as the colt The Next Episode. St Gotthard, who will wear blinkers for the first time, is seen by McDonald and trainer Chris Waller as having significant potential. The jockey highlighted similarities between St Gotthard and his brother Switzerland, winner of the Coolmore two years ago, and suggested the blinkers could enhance the colt’s focus in what is considered a key “stallion-making” race over 1200 meters.
McDonald also identified Lady Shenandoah as a leading chance in Saturday’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes. The filly, a four-time Group 1 winner, will make her Flemington debut following a courageous victory in the Toorak Handicap. McDonald characterized her as a formidable contender likely to be hard to beat.
Another notable ride for McDonald on the card is Pin Up Sheila in the Group 3 Vanity Stakes for trainer John O’Shea and trainer Tom Charlton. The horse, coming off a strong recent performance and drawing well, is regarded as a promising candidate to contend for the win.
In the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes, McDonald will partner Your Colour, trained by Waller. He noted that wetter conditions—if rain occurs—would improve her chances, though she faces a wide barrier draw, requiring a strategic ride to overcome the disadvantage.
Among the marquee events, the Victoria Derby will see McDonald aboard Stormy Marco. Despite an unfavorable gate, McDonald expressed optimism, citing the colt’s consistent performances this season and potential to compete over the 2500-meter distance.
To close the day, McDonald will ride Flying For Fun in the Schillaci Stakes. The horse is viewed as a strong chance for trainer Bryce Heys, although McDonald acknowledged the need for the race to unfold favorably given the mare’s running style. Her recent competitive showing in the same event augurs well for Saturday’s performance.
Additional rides for McDonald include Unhinged in the Carbine Club Stakes, Napoleonic in the Rising Fast Stakes, and veteran Private Eye in the Damien Oliver Stakes. McDonald recalled his previous ride on Private Eye in the All Aged Stakes, where they finished third, and expressed hope for an improved result on Saturday.
With nine rides on a day that forms the curtain-raiser for one of Australia’s most prestigious racing carnivals, McDonald and his various mounts are positioned to deliver a significant impact across Flemington’s marquee event.