Marshall "Surprised" With Star of Florida Call Up

Thursday, 15 August 2002 00:00

Comeback jockey Simon Marshall has been rewarded for his hard work and excellent early form by being sought out for the ride aboard the outstanding young sprinting prospect Star of Florida when that gelding runs next weekend.

Marshall admitted today he was "a bit surprised" when he answered his phone late yesterday afternoon and Queensland based trainer Pat Duff was on the line. Duff offered the ride, expected to be only (at this stage) a once off partnership, to Marshall and the rider didn't have to think twice before saying yes.

"I certainly wasn't really expecting the call from Pat," Marshall told Cyberhorse today. "But it's a great pick up ride."

In fact Marshall went a step further by saying the youngster, a last start winner of the San Domenico Stakes in Sydney, is similar to a former champion he rode to numerous big race wins, Hareeba.

"He is a bit like him," Marshall said. "Obviously he still has a long way to go to be as good as Hareeba, but they both have plenty of early brilliance and a high cruising speed."

The heavyweight hoop said the Telesto gelding had a bright future and he was looking forward to riding him in Saturday week's Up and Coming Stakes in Sydney.

"Star of Florida is a lovely horse," he said. "He's got a heap of natural ability and he should be able to shine in these early three-year-old races of the season."

Marshall has made a positive return to the saddle. At his first meeting on the Gold Coast two weeks ago he rode two winners from just three rides. And to continue the great return he rode a winner from three rides at his first metropolitan meeting in Sydney yesterday.

"I couldn't really have asked for much more at this stage," Marshall said. "I'm really happy with the way I have come back and I'm looking forward to the next few months."

On Saturday in Sydney Marshall will have his first stakes race ride for over five years. He will be riding the promising staying prospect Kaapgun, a Group Two winner last preparation, in the Premiere Stakes.

"You'd think he'd need a couple of runs at this stage, but Noel Mayfield-Smith is a very astute trainer," Marshall reported.

In the immediate future Sydney will be Marshall's base, but he is hoping to be riding in Melbourne over the upcoming Spring Carnival.

"It just depends if I can get some rides there (Melbourne)," he said. "I've been offered a couple of rides but at the weights I'm no chance of being able to ride them."

Marshall will get down to 56 kilograms to ride Star of Florida next weekend, but he will be reluctant to take rides under 56.5 in the future.

"I just want to be able to put everything into it. Strength is needed in the saddle and I need to be at my best."

For Marshall the early results he's been enjoying in the saddle in recent weeks gives the rider the ammunition he has needed to throw at the doubters.

"It's great just to show the skeptics up," he said. "You can just put it down to hard work, I've really worked my butt off to get back."

PICS - Quentin Lang.