Published: 12:29AM Monday October 07, 2013 Source: ONE Sport
New Zealand jockey Michael Walker is excited about his Caulfield and Melbourne Cup prospects after Hotspur produced an eye-catching fifth in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
It was Walker's first ride on the Chris Waller-trained galloper who has been set all spring for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
"He covered a lot of ground late in the race and it was a terrific Cups trial," Walker said.
"He had an outside barrier draw to overcome (19) and covered extra ground early but he settled well.
"He's going to improve several lengths out of this race and will be a much fitter horse once the Caulfield Cup comes around."
Having got down to ride at 52kg last weekend, former champion New Zealand apprentice Walker says he is leaner and hungrier than ever.
"I love spring carnival time," he said.
"The best horses, the best trainers, the best jockeys, the chance to test yourself against the best.
"I'm the lightest I have been for a long time, very fit and just getting my head down and concentrating on every ride."
The Turnbull Stakes was won by longshot Happy Trails who beat home Melbourne Cup favourite Puissance de Lune
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