Prepare for an electrifying display of racing prowess as trainer Ben Foote stuns the crowd by enlisting ex-pat jockey Jason Collett to ride Babylon Berlin in the upcoming $450,000 Sistema Railway event at Pukekohe. This prestigious group 1 race is set to ignite the 2024 racing calendar with a bang.
Collett, who has been causing a stir in Sydney and currently holds the impressive third spot on the metro jockey’s premiership, will be making a triumphant return to Pukekohe for this high-stakes race. His mission? To partner with Babylon Berlin in her quest to secure her first-ever group 1 race victory after narrowly missing out on New Year’s Day.
With a favourable draw at barrier 2 and carrying a featherweight load of just 54kg, Babylon Berlin appears poised for a stellar performance. Trainer Ben Foote expressed his joy at securing Collett’s services, highlighting his expertise and familiarity with the Pukekohe track as crucial factors.
Despite facing a setback in her recent trial, where she was outpaced by Maven Belle, Foote remains optimistic. He is relying on Collett’s skill to position Babylon Berlin advantageously in the race by riding just off the natural frontrunner, Johny Johny.
The Railway promises an intense showdown, with Sacred Satono and Dragon Leap also in contention. The late withdrawal of favourite Dionysus from the Queen Elizabeth II Cup has only added to the anticipation, with Platinum Invador emerging as the topweight contender.
In addition to the excitement at Pukekohe, the spotlight will also shine on Alexandra Park, where top pacer Akuta is gearing up for a compelling return. Fresh from a surprising defeat at Addington, Akuta is determined to reclaim his winning form in the $60,000 Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup.
With a 30m back mark to contend with, Akuta will face tough competition from Allamericanlover and Old Town Road, who will start off with 15m handicaps. The race also serves as an important milestone for Akuta’s stablemate, Don’t Stop Dreaming, who is transitioning to open class before setting off on an Australian campaign.
As the night unfolds, the $50,000 Majestic Floats Greenlane Cup will treat spectators to a thrilling face-off between defending champion Resolve and the formidable Dream Of You in the open-class trot. It’s worth noting that the $50,000 Box Seat Trot Final has drawn an impressive 17 acceptors, setting the stage for an exhilarating battle on the tracks.
The racing scene is set to burst into life with adrenaline-pumping action and unexpected turns, as top jockeys and horses alike vie for glory in a thrilling showcase of skill and determination. Be sure not to miss the heart-pounding races that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats and celebrate the true spirit of competitive racing.
