Randwick | Race 6: Inglis Sires’

I ride WODETON in the G1 Inglis Sires’ over 1400m for two-year-olds.

He’s the main reason I’ve come to Australia. He’s had four starts, winning on debut and then placed in a couple of lead-up races to this and was only beaten a short-head in the Golden Slipper.

We’ve got a slightly awkward draw and there’s some stiff competition, including Rivellino, who was a bit unlucky in the Golden Slipper, and Vinrock who looks well-drawn. There’s also plenty of nice unexposed types in here, like Prestige Forever and State Visit, so it’s very competitive.

If Wodeton brings his level of form from the Slipper, then he’s got every chance. I’m looking forward to riding him and I think he could be a high-class colt.

Randwick | Race 7: T J Smith Stakes

I’ve then got SWITZERLAND in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes.

It’s a very competitive race and Australian Group 1 sprinters are probably the best on the planet.

There’s a whole host of Group 1 winners in here; Joliestar has been in very good form, likes the track and likes to get on with it out in front, Briasa is an improving horse who looks pretty good, then there’s the likes of Magic Time and Jimmysstar too. You could probably make a case out for six or seven in here.

We’ve got a nice draw in five and if he brings his best form he’s got a good chance. He was a bit disappointing last time out, but he was very good when winning at the Melbourne Cup meeting at Flemington.

Randwick | Race 9: Australian Derby

I’m on IMPERIALIST for Chris Waller in the G1 Australian Derby.

It’s a big field and we’re drawn on the outside which might be tricky. Willydoit, Aeliana and Shanwah look the main three in here, while King Of Thunder is probably one for the shortlist too.

It’s hard to be too confident in a big field like this with a host of unexposed three-year-olds stepping up in trip.

It’s a very busy weekend of racing with the Dubai World Cup meeting as well.

Meydan | Race 4: Al Quoz Sprint

Dubai is where I was expecting to be. I had a nice book of rides lined up, including Believing in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint who I was really looking forward to. The straight 6f/1200m on quick ground will suit her. She was unlucky not to win a G1 last year, so hopefully she can do this year.

Meydan | Race 9: Dubai World Cup

In the G1 Dubai World Cup, Forever Young is going to be a strong favourite and probably hard to beat. Walk Of Stars could go well from his inside draw, Imperial Emperor has been running well all season at the track and there are some good American horses in there, but it’s not an overly deep renewal and it’s hard to look beyond Forever Young really.

Meydan | Race 8: Dubai Sheema Classic

This year, the G1 Sheema Classic looks the strongest race. Rebel’s Romance is back again. He’s been a great horse over the years and I think he’s the one to beat. Calandagan did nothing wrong last year, while Shin Emperor from Japan has to be respected off the back of his win in Riyadh. Durezza is a Japanese St Leger winner who was also second in the Japan Cup, so you’d have to take note of him, while Danon Decile is the Japanese Derby winner and Cervinia is a good filly too. It’s shaping up to be the race of the night.

Meydan | Race 7: Dubai Turf

One of my favourite horses, Romantic Warrior, runs in the G1 Dubai Turf. The 1m1f/1800m trip is tailormade for him and he’s a level above these. The likes of Facteur Cheval, who won this last year, Ghostwriter and Nations Pride, as well as three horses from Japan, won’t make this easy, though. If Liberty Island brings her very best form, then she might give Romantic Warrior something to think about.

Despite all the brilliant racing taking place in Australia and Dubai, I still think the Grand National at Aintree in the UK is the most important race of the weekend. It’s not the same race as it was when I was a kid, but it’s still one of the most special races there is, and I look forward to seeing how this year’s renewal unfolds.