Mixed martial arts fighter Jack Jenkins will be more than a casual observer when Group 1 action returns to Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) is the main race on Saturday’s card, and while Jenkins will be keeping a keen eye on that action, his main focus will be on one of the support races.
Jenkins was called upon to draw the barrier for the Nick Ryan-trained Johnny Rocker in the Group 1 feature, but the fighter headed out to The Valley on Tuesday morning primarily to watch Epimeles strut his stuff in a track gallop ahead of the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Epimeles is prepared by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young and Jenkins has a small share in the son of Dundeel who was unbeaten in his two starts as a two-year-old and is resuming on Saturday.
Jenkins joked with Young following Tuesday’s gallop whether the stable was running Epimeles in the right race on Saturday.
“He galloped out with Caballus, who is running in the Group 1, and I said to Natalie after he went past, ‘gee, should we put a late nom in for the Moir and scratch him from the McKenzie’,” Jenkins said.
“He’s going to get over a bit further, but I think he’s going to be sharp enough for the 1200 (metres) after watching him.
“I was standing in the grandstand, and it shook underneath my feet when he went past.
“He’s looking as good as we can get, I reckon.”
Jenkins is himself a last start winner, scoring at UFC 305 on August 18, and has an interest in a few horses with Collingwood footballer Jordan De Goey.
“Epimeles is the star of what we’ve got going,” Jenkins said.
“I’ve also got a share in Fam Gorman, who hopefully might be a Country Cups horse, and a share in a two-year-old by Written Tycoon that we’re hopeful could head towards a Blue Diamond.
“I’m trying to keep involved, learn as much as I can from other owners, trainer and jockeys.
“I love the sport and will be involved for the rest of my life.”