By Glenn Davis
A buck’s party for a close friend has meant jockey Les “Bubba” Tilley will pass up the chance to maintain his successful association on QTIS Jewel-bound Master Jamie at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Master Jamie was a last start winner for Tilley at Eagle Farm in January but he’s been replaced by Jim Orman in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1200m).
Tilley has ridden Master Jamie 11 times in his 13-start career for eight wins and two placings.
Chris Whiteley won on the gelding in his other two central Queensland victories.
The Rockhampton flyer was given a week off by trainer Graeme Green following his all-the-way win over 1200 metres at Eagle Farm on January 18.
“He had a week off after his last week and I’ve quietly stepped him up since,” Green said.
“It was a gutsy win at Eagle Farm as they attacked him at every stage yet he was pulling away from them at the finish.
“Unfortunately, Bubba won’t be able to ride him this time as he’ll be attending a buck’s party on Hamilton Island for one of his best friends.
“I understand his situation but Bubba will be back on him next start.
“Jimmy Orman is riding him and he’s been very loyal to me in the past and we’ve had a lot of success together.”
Master Jamie was a bargain buy at $10,000 at the QTIS March sales as a yearling and has won more than $263,000 in prizemoney.
Green’s biggest payday could come when Master Jamie runs in the $300,000 QTIS Jewel (1200m) at the Gold Coast on March 14.
“All going well this will be his last run before the QTIS Jewel,” Green said.
The QTIS Jewel will be an important test for Master Jamie as it will decide whether he returns to Brisbane for the winter carnival or remains in Rockhampton for the central and north Queensland winter carnivals.
“It depends how he goes in the QTIS Jewel but he’d need to win to warrant returning for the Brisbane carnival otherwise he can stay at home for the winter races here,” Green said.
Green is unconcerned with the forecast for rain.
“He loves the wet so it won’t worry him either way,” he said.
“My biggest worry is he’s been given the grandstand with 61kgs but he’s not a kid’s horse so we can’t claim on him."
Racing Queensland webnews February 5