|
Victory Moon in superb form
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
South African jockey
Weichong Marwing, who has his task cut out for him on Dubai World Cup day when
he partners third-favourite Victory Moon against the mighty American, is
determined to dispel suggestions that he is not a big race jockey.
"I
have ridden big races in Hong Kong and I have even won the Hong Kong Derby. I am
not worried about what people say," said the 33-year-old jockey who has gained a
large fan following with his heroics in this year's Dubai International Racing
Carnival, for retaining trainer Mike de Kock.
"The American horses are
good but Victory Moon is also in superb form. With a bit of luck we can get a
good result," he said yesterday.
Marwing also acknowledged the fact that
his horse may have a training advantage over some of the others in the
field.
"Having raced here in the Carnival Victory Moon has displayed top
form while winning the final two legs of the Maktoum Challenge," the jockey
said.
"He has acclimatised well here and since he has a knowledge of this
track it may give him a little bit of an upper hand.
"But the other
horses, particularly the two favourites from US, are better horses so that sort
of balances it out," he added quickly.
Victory Moon is currently a
short-priced 4-1 behind Medaglia d'Oro (2-1) and Pleasantly Perfect
(9-4).
Marwing has achieved notable success in Hong Kong where he won 62
races in the 2001-02 season, and another 45 the subsequent year before shifting
to Dubai for the Carnival.
Asked which horse would be the real danger, he
responded: "Pleasantly Perfect is the horse to beat."
Marwing also
partners the De Kock-trained Lundy's Liability in the UAE Derby (Gr 2) and Right
Approach and Surveyor in the Dubai Duty Free (Gr 1)
Oddsmakers offer 4-1
for Lundy's Liability behind Little Jim and Petit Paris (both
7-2).
Marwing certainly fancies his chances on Victory Moon, who is no
stranger to success on the big night.
Last year Victory Moon, riden by
Wayne Smith, won the UAE Derby (Gr 2) beating the of Godolphin duo Songlark and
Inamorato.
"My horse is in good form and with some luck we should make
it," Marwing concluded. |
