Gaulois adds to Rachel King’s record

Last season’s champion Sydney apprentice Rachel King rides Gaulois to victory at Rosehill.

A recent broken collarbone followed by a broken finger have done little to halt Rachel King’s momentum, with the jockey claiming another feature for Godolphin in the Civic Stakes at Rosehill.

Last season’s champion Sydney apprentice, King has made the transition to senior ranks with ease including a Group One win on the Mark Newnham-trained Maid Of Heaven in the Spring Champion Stakes.

Her ability to ride regularly at 53kg, as she did on Gaulois, is a big plus for her career.

Saturday’s win on Gaulois is one of three recent Listed wins for Godolphin including the June Stakes on Deprive and Intuition in the Hawkesbury Rush in April.

Gaulois ($8) came from back in the field and had a long neck to spare over Firsthand ($8.50) who raced on the pace.

“He was very good and he obviously handles these (heavy) tracks really well,” King said.

“It was the best I’ve felt one travel on it all day and it makes a difference when they’re comfortable in it.

“It’s a big thing on a day like today.

“And I’m grateful to Godolphin for their support. I had four rides for them today.”

Firsthand’s jockey James Winks, who made the trip from Melbourne to ride for Hawkes Racing at Rosehill, thought he had nabbed a winner.

“I thought he was the winner but one was just a bit stronger late,” he said.

Race favourite New Universe ($4) finished sixth after two thirds and two fourths at his past four starts.

“He is better on the dry,” his jockey Tommy Berry said.

“I don’t know, how many excuses can you make for him.”

Trainer James Cummings brought Gaulois back from Queensland after he ran third first-up at Doomben before his seventh in the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich two weeks ago.

Stable representative Darren Beadman said it was good to see much-travelled Gaulois.

“James has taken him to Perth (2017), Melbourne and up to Brisbane,” Beadman said.

“Bad gates and other things have gone against him, so it was a very deserving win. And Rachel was very patient on him.”