A successful classic-winning combination has been reunited in Australia with James McDonald confirmed as the new rider of Telepathic.
He will replace Mark Du Plessis, who rode the Donna and Dean Logan-prepared filly when she ran sixth after a three wide run in the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes, in the $A500,000 Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.
McDonald combined with the Ruakaka trainers earlier in the autumn to win the Group 1 Australian Oaks at Randwick with Rising Romance.
“James has been engaged for Telepathic and it was the decision of the owner so we hope the old team can do it again,” Donna Logan said.
Raced by her breeder and Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvey, Telepathic had breezed through her tough Grand Prix run without incident.
“She’s flying and I’m really happy with her,” Logan said. “Believe it or not she’s even more pushy. From the draw she did a fair bit of work and fortunately she has come through it really well.”
Telepathic is currently quoted as an $8.00 Derby chance with the New Zealand TAB behind the Chris Waller-trained $5.00 favourite Vilanova. He moved to the top of the market after his dominant win in the Grand Prix Stakes.
– NZ Racing Desk
