Jockey Jason Collett is setting his sights on achieving another century of winners this season, following his most successful year in the saddle. Collett, who had an impressive return of 118 winners last season and earned a career-high $16.6 million in prizemoney, is optimistic as he prepares for nine rides at Rosehill on Saturday, including the highly regarded Nashville Jack in the listed Rosebud.
Last season, Collett secured 74 winners in metropolitan races, which helped him finish second in the Sydney premiership. He emphasized the importance of consistency and improvement, stating, “As a rule, I expect, without injury, 100 winners a season across the board. But I just want to keep improving, keep being consistent, keep getting on better horses in bigger races and winning them.”
Highlight Wins and Future Aspirations
Collett’s standout moment last season came when he rode Stefi Magnetica to victory in the $5 million Doncaster Mile. Now, he looks forward to the upcoming spring with aspirations of competing in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes. Collett expressed his desire to ride a top-tier weight-for-age horse, saying, “I’d love to get on a proper good weight-for-age horse, which you could take on four, five, six Group 1s with.”
Stefi Magnetica, trained by Bjorn Baker, has already won two significant handicaps in Australia and has shown promise in her recent trial. Collett is hopeful that she continues to improve and reach the next level of performance.
As he prepares for the Rosebud, Collett’s confidence is buoyed by his recent achievements. “I got seven city wins in the last week just to really make sure we held second, so it was a good way to end it,” he noted, reflecting on the conclusion of the previous season.
With a strong field anticipated at Rosehill, all eyes will be on Collett and Nashville Jack as he competes for his place among the season’s leading jockeys. The race will not only serve as a platform for Collett to chase his century but also as a testament to his dedication and drive in the competitive landscape of horse racing.
