Kirby thriving in new colours

Talented jockey Brodie Kirby has ended his time as an apprentice on a high, as he and leading trainer Steve Wolfe dominated last Thursday’s eight-race card in Albany.

It was the second time last month Wolfe has trained four winners on the same card, to extend his red-hot provincial form.

The Kirby and Wolfe partnership in the Great Southern this season has been ultra-successful, with their four winners last week matching the same feat they achieved on Boxing Day.

Finishing his apprenticeship on Saturday, Kirby has already chalked up 11 winners in Albany this season on the back of success with Sowar, War Ksar, Starorio and Mood Goodess.

The 24-year-old said after another big day in the saddle, he hoped to win the Great Southern jockeys premiership and get further opportunities as a senior rider in the city ranks.

“I have been lucky to form a relationship with Wolfey this season”, he said. “I have finished my apprenticeship now, so I’m really looking forward to try and get leading senior rider.

“Tash (Faithfull) and I have some good banter and we are fighting for that title.

“I’m pretty proud to be a senior rider now. I feel like in the last two years, my riding has come a fair way and to have a ride in the Magic Millions this Saturday for Wolfey is an unreal feeling, I can’t wait.”

Starorio made it three wins from four starts when the exciting mare was a slashing three length winner of the Albany Stockfeeds Handicap (1500m).

Again using the cutaway to his advantage, Starorio has turned the corner this campaign.

“We didn’t think we would win three races at Albany all in the same fashion up the cutaway,” he said. “Her turn of foot is electric and I think there is more wins in this horse.”

Highly rated three-year-old filly Mood Goddess returned in dominant fashion, unleashing a powerful finish from 10th on the corner to win the West Cape Howe Handicap (1230m) easily as stablemates Demeritise and Deangles filled the minor placings.

Mood Goddess has won two of her five career starts and could progress towards the Group 3 WA Oaks next month.

“I didn’t know much about this horse but a lot of people told me I was on a good one,” Kirby said.

“Wolfey rang me in the morning and said ‘don’t get her in any trouble’ and she did a lot wrong but won pretty easily in the end.”

Kirby kickstarted the day in winning fashion, as Sowar broke his maiden status stylishly and then consistent stayer War Ksar notched a deserving win in race four.

Race four was filled with drama, Senso kicking Toru Waimarie in the barriers and both were late scratchings under veterinary advice before Patchirac bucked dislodging rider Jade McNaught, who had a harmless fall in the first 100m.

Wolfe and fellow Albany trainer Rogers both have two runners engaged in the $250,000 Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra on Saturday.

Wolfe has impressive first-up winner Watch Me Dance engaged with Brad Parnham in the saddle from barrier four while Kirby is aboard Convalesce who drew gate three.

Dark Assault and Brazen Arrow to be ridden by with Jerry and Jarrad Noske respectively make up Rogers’ team in the feature race.