Isolation has Spain keen for Group 1 rides

Zac Spain will ride Moonlight Maid in the Group One Australasian Oaks at Morphettville.

The frustration of self-isolation will be worth it for Zac Spain if he can break through for a maiden Group One win in Adelaide.

Coronavirus protocols in South Australia require anyone entering the state to undergo two weeks’ isolation.

While fellow Victorian jockeys John Allen, Ethan Brown and Dean Holland have joined forces to beat the boredom during their two weeks of quarantine ahead of Saturday’s meeting, Spain has spent his time alone.

Working on his core strength and endless hours with Playstation has kept Spain busy and entertained.

Spain’s isolation period ends on Friday night and after his nine rides at Morphettville on Saturday, which includes seven stakes races, he moves in with Jake Toeroek for the remainder of the Adelaide carnival.

Spain has good chances in Saturday’s two Group One features, riding Moonlight Maid in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) and Humma Humma in the Sangster Stakes (1200m).

Winner of the Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington last spring and spelled after running third in the VRC Oaks at Flemington, Moonlight Maid has had two starts in preparation for Saturday’s assignment.

After a first-up sixth at The Valley in March, Spain watched Moonlight Maid from his isolation base and was impressed with her closing fifth behind Florent over 1600m at Caulfield on April 18.

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“She’s a big strong filly and being back on the inside she came under pressure a little early but her last furlong I thought was very good,” Spain said.

“I think third-up getting to 2000 metres is ideal.

“I’m not fussed about barrier 12 as she’ll be in the back half of the field and that gives me options of getting her to the outside and winding up.”

Spain said looking at Moonlight Maid’s form the filly will not be bothered by a wet track however he is hoping for firmer footing after picking up the ride on Humma Humma for John McArdle.

He had been booked for first emergency Mystery Love.

“My manager spoke to Mick Price and Mick Kent junior’s racing manager Matt Finn and they said if she is an emergency we are happy to let you off to ride Humma Humma,” Spain said.

“Her last start was extremely good running very fast sectionals and hopefully she can run like that again on Saturday.

“With a bit of luck if I can get a winner it will all be worth it.”