Tilley confident Lucky Pat can deliver for Webster

By Glenn Davis

Jockey Les Tilley won’t be riding in the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast on Friday, but believes his former boss Pat Webster has a great chance of winning with Lucky Pat.

Under normal circumstances Tilley would be riding Lucky Pat, but instead he’s due to make his long-awaited riding return for Webster at Kilcoy on the same day.

Angela Jones has ridden Lucky Pat in Tilley’s absence, but is sidelined following a barrier trial fall at Doomben earlier this month.

Sydney jockey Rachel King will take over the riding duties.

Tilley hasn’t ridden in a race since late February after taking a tumble at Townsville in North Queensland.

He underwent surgery and only returned to light trackwork duties earlier this month.

“Pat’s horses have been killing them while I’ve been sidelined and I think Lucky Pat has a great chance at the Gold Coast on Friday," the jockey said. 

“I’d love to be riding him, but I’ll be at Kilcoy riding for Pat.

“I’ve only been back riding for a week and Pat says I’m too fat and too unfit to ride in a $1 million race."

Tilley, who started as an apprentice with Webster, rode Lucky Pat in trackwork last week and was impressed with his work.

“I was only back a week and rode him in work and he was airborne,” Tilley said.

“His last run in the Dalrello was very impressive and I think he’ll definitely finish in the top three.”

Lucky Pat stepped up from two midweek provincial wins to almost pulling off an upset win when second in the Dalrello Stakes at Eagle Farm on May 2.

The son of Lucky Vega won his first two starts at Ipswich in April before Webster rolled the dice to tackle the Listed feature over 1000 metres.

Despite a Heavy 8 rating, Lucky Pat was well supported in betting and firmed from $16 to $8.50, but was no match for exciting Sydney colt The Next Episode.

The Gold Coast track has been inundated with rain and is already rated a Heavy 10.

“I was stoked with his run in the Dalrello,” Webster said.

“He’s come a long way in a short time and a wet track won’t worry him.

“He’s on a quick back-up, but I think he will like the Gold Coast and he’s improved since the Dalrello.”

Webster, who has 40 horses in work at the Bahram training facility at Westbrook on Toowoomba’s outskirts, is hoping for his biggest payday with Lucky Pat in the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic.

He saddled his first Group 1 starter in last Saturday’s Doomben 10,000, when Esjay finished eighth, beaten less than four lengths by old warhorse Rothfire.