Kyle Wilson-Taylor has big time spring ambitions in Australia, but the young gun will first look to land one of the final Group 1s run in Singapore after picking up the ride on star galloper Golden Monkey on Saturday.
The Group 1 winner was booked to ride in the final Singapore Derby earlier this year, but was grounded in Australia when his mount was scratched on race week.
After all but conceding his chance to ride a winner in the Lion City had flown, Wilson-Taylor got a call out of the blue last week which was too good to turn down.
“I was at mum’s house the other day and I got a call from a guy who manages a few horses up there asking if I would go up and ride Golden Monkey for them in the Queen Elizabeth,” Wilson-Taylor said.
“I couldn’t say no because he is a top three chance in that race without a doubt, I am really looking forward to it.
“I was meant to go for the Derby, which I was really keen for, but it ended up falling through.
“I got my head around that, which was fine, but I thought that’d be the end of it up there, with it all finishing up soon.”
The Tim Fitzsimmons-trained Derby winner was beaten by Lims Saltoro and Lim’s Kosciuszko last start when ridden by Sydney jockey Chad Schofield.
Wilson-Taylor says he has spoken to plenty of jockey about riding at Kranji, with his first ride at the famous circuit set to come in the $300,000 feature.
“It is a Saturday meeting, so I would say Chad wants to ride something in Sydney, which has opened an opportunity for me. I want to better myself and spread my wings a fair bit,” he said.
“He arguably should have beaten the two Lims horses last time, so hopefully we get a better draw this time around.
“I have spoken to a fair few of the boys about riding up there, I am looking to get as much advice as I can as it is my only ride for the day at this stage.”
Golden Monkey's Chance
Golden Monkey, a six-year-old son of Star Turn, is a top contender for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, which is scheduled for this Saturday at Kranji. The horse has drawn well in barrier four, which could be advantageous given his long-time nemesis Lim’s Kosciuszko and Gr1 Raffles Cup winner Lim’s Saltoro have drawn wide in gates nine and 11 respectively.
The speed map for the race sets up favourably for Golden Monkey, with another on-pace runner, Mr Black Back, also drawing wide in 12. A good early tempo would be appreciated, allowing Golden Monkey to sit closer to the pace without being used up early.
Wilson-Taylor is confident in Golden Monkey's ability to win the QEII Cup, especially given his recent performance in the Raffles Cup. “I think he gets his chance from gate four,” Wilson-Taylor said. “I watched his last couple of runs at Group 1 level and jockey Chad Schofield had no option but to go back from the wide gates as that’s Golden Monkey’s style of racing. But you can’t give horses like Lim’s Kosciuszko that big a start and think you can catch them late. So when I saw we had gate four and the two Lim’s horses (Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro) had drawn wide, I thought my horse could sit a bit closer without being used up early. Ideally, I can sit on one of their backs, probably Lim’s Kosciuszko on the speed map, and I can utilize Golden Monkey’s turn of foot to have every chance of beating them.”
A Fairy-Tale Win?
A win in the QEII Cup would be a dream come true for Wilson-Taylor. Not only would it be his first Group 1 win outside of Australia and New Zealand, but it would also be his first time riding Golden Monkey. “I’m really looking forward to finally riding in Singapore,” said the 24-year-old jockey, who was previously invited to ride the Jason Ong-trained Great Warrior in the Group 1 Singapore Derby on 21 July but did not make the trip after the gelding pulled out of the feature race.
“I knew a lot about Golden Monkey and when I got the call from part-owner of Golden Monkey and the principal of Jig Bloodstock, Josh McLoughlan, I jumped at the chance. Obviously Golden Monkey is among the top two or three horses in Singapore, so it’s a real thrill to be on a serious winning hope in a Group 1 (race).
Fitzsimmons' Confidence in Golden Monkey
Tim Fitzsimmons, Golden Monkey’s trainer, is equally confident in his horse’s chances for the QEII Cup. Fitzsimmons, who has yet to meet Wilson-Taylor in person, is pleased to have the Australian jockey riding Golden Monkey for the first time. “Wilson-Taylor has good credentials,” said the 2022 Singapore champion trainer. “And he comes highly recommended by ex-Kranji jockey Michael Rodd, who is a very good judge. Wilson-Taylor can get horses to relax and that will suit Golden Monkey. From gate four, he won’t have to drag Golden Monkey back, which will be in our favour. But in saying that, he can’t be ridden upside down, so he will ride him where he can switch him off with three or four horses behind him. We know we have to find a length to beat Dan’s horses (Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro) but can’t fault Golden Monkey as he’s always in the mix.”
Looking Ahead to the Spring
While Wilson-Taylor is focused on his upcoming ride in Singapore, his eyes are set on the Australian spring racing carnival. He is looking to keep the ride on impressive Listed Glasshouse winner Punch Lane, who is on a path towards the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on November 16. Wilson-Taylor travelled to Sydney last Friday to trial the horse, who is raced by the same connections as superstar sprinter Santa Ana Lane.
Wilson-Taylor has big time spring ambitions in Australia, but first, he will look to make a splash in the QEII Cup and cap off a busy racing season.
From Singapore to Sydney: A Busy Racing Schedule
Wilson-Taylor’s upcoming schedule is a testament to his dedication and drive as a jockey. The 24-year-old is committed to his craft and is always looking for new opportunities to showcase his skills. This weekend’s ride on Golden Monkey in Singapore is just the latest chapter in his exciting career.
It remains to be seen if Wilson-Taylor can pull off a win in the QEII Cup, but one thing is for sure – he is a jockey to watch in the coming months, both in Singapore and Australia.
