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Johnson aiming to add to tally at Te Aroha

3 minute read

Danielle Johnson may have brought up her first century of winners in a season earlier this week but she has no plans to rest on her laurels.

Jockey - DANIELLE JOHNSON
Jockey - DANIELLE JOHNSON Picture: Trish Dunell

The Pukekohe jockey brought up win number 100 for the season at Avondale on Monday aboard the Danica Guy-trained Davey Crockett.

It also took her a win closer to premiership leader Matthew Cameron, who is six clear in front of the jockeys' race on 106.

"It was awesome to get to 100. I was hoping to do it last year but I only managed to get to 95," Johnson said.

"There aren't many big races left for the season but I just want to keep riding winners. Matt is six in front of me on the premiership and obviously I'd love to peg him back. He got to 13 or 14 in front when I was suspended so I'm getting closer."

Johnson will bid to add to her season tally with a handy book of rides at Te Aroha on Wednesday, though she goes into the meeting with only moderate expectations with the prospect of a testing track.

"I've got a nice book but track conditions might play a big part. It's been pretty wet and most of mine would prefer decent footing," she said.

Johnson is closing in on a memorable milestone of 50 winners for Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh, the partnership's tally currently at 47, and she has two rides for the stable tomorrow - resuming last-start winner Smash Hit and either Panna Cotta or Puntinato in the Rating 75 1400m event.

"Both Puntinato and Panna Cotta have been working well and they'll be hard to beat and Smash Hit trialled well," Johnson said.

"I've ridden about 30 winners for Stephen this season and it's been a good combination."

Johnson will also partner a Marsh-trained runner in the feature race at Te Rapa this weekend, piloting Ruud Not Too in the Listed Hamilton Vet Services Equine Stakes.

Bernardini filly Ruud Not Too was twice a trial winner before her debut second at Matamata earlier this month.


NZ Racing News

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