From Chukyo to Caulfield: Hamanaka’s Aussie debut with a $5M ride

The success of Japanese horses in Australia is giving jockey Suguru Hamanaka confidence Golden Snap can measure up in Saturday’s $5 million Caulfield Cup.

A 13-time Group 1 winner that has enjoyed success abroad, the Caulfield Cup will be Hamanaka’s first ride in Australia.

But he said he is familiar with the jurisdiction, given the wins of Mer De Glace and Admire Rakti in the Caulfield Cup, Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate and Delta Blues in the Melbourne Cup.

Hamanaka has ridden Golden Snap throughout her career, including her most recent win over 3000m at Chukyo in January.

“It’s my first time riding in Australia but I have watched Japanese horses compete in this country so I am familiar with the racing here and I am excited to ride in the Caulfield Cup,” Hamanaka said via a translator.

“To be chosen to ride her in this big race is an honour."

“It’s a challenge but I have a lot of confidence in Golden Snap and, after riding her here, I think she feels really great and she looks in really good condition."

“She is a genuine stayer but I think 2400m is suitable for her.”

Hamanaka said the daughter of Gold Ship felt comfortable in her gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday and, while she can be cantankerous for her grooms on the ground, she is a relatively straightforward mare to ride.

Golden Snap, who is trained by Katsunori Tanaka, drew barrier 18 on Wednesday morning.

She will pass the first ballot clause for next month’s Melbourne Cup with a top eight finish on Saturday.

“She handled Caulfield well in her gallop (on Tuesday) so hopefully her jockey handles Australian racing just as well on Saturday,” he said.

“She definitely has her quirks on the ground but once she’s on the track, she is a professional horse to ride.”