Jockey Andrew Adkins is focused on securing a significant win in the $3 million Big Dance at Randwick, taking place on October 31, 2023. Adkins will ride Vivy Air, a five-year-old mare trained by Ciaron Maher, who is looking to improve on her second-place finish in last year’s race. Adkins has previously achieved notable success in the Big Dance, having placed with long shots in the past, and he is keen to make this year a memorable one.
Vivy Air enters the race following a strong performance, including a victory in the Big Dance Wildcard on October 18, 2023. After finishing second in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle, she is expected to give a competitive showing. Despite a challenging draw of 18, Adkins remains optimistic, noting that the mare is in better form than last year. He stated, “I think Vivy Air is probably rolling into the race this year probably better than last year. She’s been in more consistent form.”
Adkins has had an impressive season, recording a personal-best of 65 winners, which includes two Group 3 victories. He is currently positioned as a strong contender in this year’s race, with Vivy Air listed as a $12 chance, compared to last year’s odds of $26. The top competitor this year is Gringotts, currently the favorite at $3.10.
In addition to the Big Dance, Adkins will also compete in the $750,000 consolation race, the Little Dance, riding Strait Acer, who has faced challenges this season. Although Adkins acknowledges that Strait Acer’s recent form has not been up to par, he is hopeful that a change in equipment will help the gelding perform better.
Anna Roper Seeks Success with Tavros in Little Dance
Meanwhile, apprentice jockey Anna Roper is eager to make her mark in city racing with her ride on the country horse Tavros in the Little Dance. Roper, who recently returned from injury, hopes to capitalize on Tavros’s recent successes, which include strong finishes in the Moree, Dubbo, and Coonamble Cups.
“Tavros is a real hard-trier,” Roper remarked, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to ride a horse with such a competitive spirit. Despite not being able to use her two-kilogram claim for this race, she is optimistic about the horse’s chances, stating that a clean jump will be crucial for positioning.
Roper is currently leading the apprentice premiership with seven wins, but she is seeking to expand on her success during the spring carnival. She has also secured rides in the Highway Handicap with Petticoat, who is a favored contender at $1.90, and Sunrise at $4.80.
As both Adkins and Roper prepare for the races at Randwick, the stakes are high. With significant prize money on the line and the chance to achieve personal milestones, both jockeys are ready to showcase their skills and determination in pursuit of victory.
