UK tyro making the most of limited chances after “ridiculous” new rule
“He’s had a few wins on the premier tracks [at home], but it’s not like his 50 winners would be the equivalent of his metro winners here. He should really still be with a country claim [3kg], so to be riding winners with only 1.5kg, with his lack of experience, it’s a credit to him.
“I know a couple of good judges back home are tipping him as champion apprentice in the UK this coming season, and he’s got the work ethic to head that way.
Jack Callan returns a winner on Esmahli on Saturday at Rosehill.Credit: Getty Images
“Seeing him on the Hayes’ horse the other day, he squeezed it through that gap, so I like that he’s got a bit of guts. It would be nice to get a few more winners for him before he goes.”
Callan said he has “loved every minute of being here”, including riding trackwork for several stables at Warwick Farm, Randwick and Hawkesbury.
“It’s made it a bit more difficult to get going, but I’ve still got plenty out of it,” Callan said of the restriction.
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“Luckily, I’ve still been able to get support, and Annabel and Rob have been very good to me.”
On Saturday, Callan rides $2.50 (TAB) favourite Trapalanda, coming off three seconds in Victoria, for the first time in the 2000m benchmark 88 handicap. He sticks with Hellsing ($12) in the benchmark 88 over 1600m after a seventh last start at Wyong at 1400m. Archibald said Hellsing was “a bit of a smokey at big odds”, if he can settle early.
“I really like him,” Callan said of Hellsing.
“He’s been so good at home, he’s been taking his work really well. He seems to be settling well and if he can settle, find a nice spot, he’s got every chance stepping up in trip. He needs that step up.”
