Material Man starts big month in Futurity

Perth jockey Lucy Warwick expects to be racking up the frequent flyer points in coming weeks as she jets across the country to ride Material Man.

Trained in Western Australia by her father Justin, Material Man runs in Saturday’s Group One Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, the start of a possible four races in as many weeks leading to the All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 16.

Material Man was one of the top 10 vote getters announced for the All-Star Mile on Thursday.

Following Saturday’s run, Material Man may run at Flemington on three consecutive Saturdays, starting with the Blamey Stakes, leading into the Australian Cup and then the All-Star Mile.

“He’s nominated for the four Saturdays in a row so I’ll be racking up the frequent flyer points if that happens,” Warwick said.

“But I’ll leave that up to Dad.”

Warwick said she would not be overawed partnering Material Man in the $5 million All-Star Mile.

She said the experience of riding in three Group One races in Melbourne leading up to that race would hold her in good stead.

Material Man made his eastern states debut, finishing sixth behind Manuel in the C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday week, a run Warwick said was a confidence booster.

“From day dot, this is what I’ve wanted to do, especially for Dad who has helped shape my career,” Warwick said.

“To be here on his horse, is a dream come true.

“As Dad says, he’s a very easy horse to train. He loves his job, he loves his racing and the main thing is to stop him from working too hard.

“He’s fit, he’s drawn barrier four and hopefully we get a good run and I can’t see why he won’t run a good race.”

Warwick has won the 2018 Group Two Perth Cup on Material Man and said a Group One win on the gelding would be a dream come true after guiding him to placings at the highest level in Perth.

“He’s a favourite and I’ve missed out on a few wins because of falls,” Warwick said.

“I missed a Bunbury Cup and an AHA Cup which I was devastated about at the time, but I’m now here in Melbourne and that’s water under the bridge.”