Zac Lloyd has faith in Tiz Invincible can overcome her outside barrier in Flight Stakes
Zac Lloyd on Tiz Invincible
Zac Lloyd spent Wednesday morning refreshing his computer screen before getting another subtle reminder that winning Group 1 races is never easy.
Sydney's champion apprentice is a Group 1 winner in waiting and has his best chance yet to claim a well-earned maiden major when he pilots top filly Tiz Invincible in Saturday's $750,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.
READ: Randwick race-by-race preview, tips and best bets
But his task was made a little tougher on Wednesday morning when the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly drew the outside in now a field of 12 runners.
"I was refreshing RISA all morning and it wasn't good," Lloyd said.
"13 of 13 is not ideal but I still have a lot of confidence in the horse and believe she can still win.
"I think she just needs to relax and by not having a horse on her outside, that could aid her getting to switch off.Tiz Invincible is a STAR! ¸ÂÂÂ
She picks up her third stakes win this preparation! @cmaherracing@ZacLloydxpic.twitter.com/qyrEomn7o5
- 7HorseRacing ðŸÂÂÂÂŽ (@7horseracing) September 16, 2023
"If she is three deep, hopefully with cover, and I will just see what the team does and what they come up with (on where she ends up in the run).
"But I have a lot of confidence in the horse and think she will run well."
Lloyd, who won the Bart Cummings Medal at the end of last month, knows his time will come in a Group 1 but there would be few fitting days for him to achieve his goal than this weekend.
His family will be on track with his brother Jaden also set to travel down from Brisbane for the meeting to partner promising Queensland-trained galloper Knight's Choice.
Jaden Lloyd told this masthead 'we are all hoping he can get his first one when I'm down there' while national premiership winning trainer Maher was also hoping to be part of the special occasion with Tiz Invincible.
The talented daughter of I Am Invincible is chasing a fourth successive win this preparation after victories in the Rosebud, Furious Stakes and Tea Rose Stakes.
"Zac has done a good job so we were happy to give him his chance and hopefully we can give him his first Group 1," Maher said.
"She improved and I thought she had a better turn of foot at the 1400m in the Tea Rose.
"Being a three-year-old, you would think the mile would be OK and I think she has come on as well.
"She passed the seven furlong test and it's another little test again but I certainly wouldn't be swapping her."
Tiz Invincible is the $2.70 TAB favourite to win the Flight Stakes from Tea Rose runner up Kimochi ($5).
Lloyd will also link up with last start Newcastle Gold Cup winner Military Mission in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m).
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are set to have four starters in the race including the clear top pick Just Fine, which is a red hot $1.75 favourite after a pair of dominant victories to start life in Australia.
Lloyd expects Just Fine will take a power of beating.
"I must say, I do think we are running for second," Lloyd said.
"Just Fine looks very, very good and what he did last start looks quite freakish but I am very happy with Military Mission.
"Obviously the barrier (18) is not ideal because I think he likes to be cuddled with a bit of cover.
"It was a good win in the Newcastle Cup and good for confidence, and if he gets in he could be running a nice race."
Lloyd has been dealt another tough hand in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap after Waterford ($19) drew barrier 18 for the feature.
The Chris Waller-trained galloper ran on strongly to finish third in last week's Group 2 Shannon Stakes and is on the seven day back up.
"His last start, he probably got in an unwinnable position at the back,"
"But with 50kg in a very open Epsom, he should run well.
"We will wait and see if he runs but if he does, he should be a good chance."
If Waller doesn't run Waterford in the Epsom, it's likely the son of Awtaad lines up a week later on home turf in the inaugural $1.5m Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Lloyd's other stakes rides include Highness (Breeders' Plate) and Limburg (Dulcify Stakes).
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