Leading Sydney jockey James McDonald has committed to riding New Zealand raider La Crique in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington later this month.
“We have just had confirmation this afternoon that James McDonald will ride La Crique in the Empire Rose on the 29th,” said Katrina Alexander, who trains in partnership with her husband Simon.
“That is really exciting news and we couldn’t wish for a better result.”
McDonald’s previous win in the race came aboard another New Zealand-bred in Shillelagh, who he rode to victory in the 2018 edition of the race.
La Crique heads to Australia in good form, having placed in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings last month before winning the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata.
