Kiwi jockey booked for top Perth mare in Doncaster Mile 2022

Dan Morton has turned to Alysha Collett to ride star Perth mare Kissonallforcheeks in Saturday’s $3 million Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.

Dan Morton was in search of a lightweight rider after he opted to bypass the Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and target the Doncaster as another option.

Morton feared heavy track conditions at Rosehill would not suit Kissonallforcheeks, an inspired decision after the meeting was abandoned after race three on the weekend.

Kissonallforcheeks is chasing a second interstate feature double after her dominant victory in the Shaftesbury Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on March 12.

“I did a bit of homework before I committed, but she came pretty well recommended to me by Dean Murphy, Damien Lane’s manger,” Morton said.

“I’ve known him for years and he was trying to help out.

“Dean says she really holds her own, rides light, so there are no issues there.

“Waller (Chris) puts her on in the big handicaps and she was a leading Kiwi rider before going to Singapore.

“She went really well there and has been in Australia for a couple of years.

“I’m very happy to have her on and she gave Kissonallforcheeks a good gallop on Saturday and will have another on Tuesday morning.”

Alysha Collett has ridden 54 winners in New South Wales this season and claimed Group 1 success on Consensus in the Zabeel Classic in New Zealand six years ago.

The ex-pat Kiwi jockey set a personal milestone at Newcastle last year when she booted home five winners on the eight race card.

Morton is confident Kissonallforcheeks, allocated 51kg, will make her presence felt in the Doncaster.

“I’m not going there to make up numbers,” Morton said.

“We’re a live chance and if we can get through it in one piece then you would have to think she’s a live chance in the million dollar race for mares.”

Morton refers to the Queen Of The Turf (1600m) at Randwick on April 9, the stable’s main interstate target.

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