There is only one jockey the Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock stable would call on when heading to Adelaide for a race.
Former South African based Callan Murray will team with his ‘mate’ de Kock when Written Royalty runs in the Bet In The Shed at Morphettville Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Murray rode for champion South African trainer Mike De Kock when Mat was his father’s assistant trainer of the yard, and the pair have remained staunch friends ever since.
“He was an obvious choice for me when we were heading over,” de Kock said.
“We had a lot of luck with Callan back in South Africa, so I’m happy to use him whenever we can.”
With the Melbourne Spring Carnival in full swing, de Kock said Saturday’s race in Adelaide had come around at the right time for Written Royalty.
He said Written Royalty was running off a handicap rating that he was successful off at Bendigo when resuming in May.
De Kock said Written Royalty had been racing consistently, without winning, but had paid for his consistency by having to carry weight.
To offset the extra weight, the Griffiths and de Kock team had used inexperience apprentice riders to alleviate that rise in weight.
But with a slight drop in weight on Saturday and a drop in grade, the team has called on Murray’s experience.
“We’re going over to try and find a soft option for him,” de Kock said.
“He’s back down below his winning handicap, 65, a rating he won at Bendigo off.
“He’s been competing in some good races since then, so hopefully he can bounce back in what looks a weaker division.
“He’s drawn seven which is OK as he does get back a little in the run. That will suit him fine, so hopefully he travels over well.”