Jack Martin out to land first Queensland blow

By Jordan Gerrans

In-form Brisbane trainer Matthew Hoysted has backed hoop Jack Martin in his short time in the Sunshine State and the jockey is keen to repay his faith at Eagle Farm on Wednesday afternoon.

The Group 3-winning rider is aiming to make a splash in Queensland after heading north from Canberra in recent weeks.

The 29-year-old has taken a handful of rides this month after arriving and looks to have his best chance yet to land a winner aboard Promiscuous Girl for Hoysted in the Benchmark 65 Handicap over 1800 metres.

The Hoysted team have been in red-hot form in recent weeks.

The stable have prepared eight winners this month, headlined by Hearts Are Better’s triumph in the recent feature QTIS Jewel for the three-year-olds at the Gold Coast. 

While stable flag bearer Uncommon James has not added to the eight wins this month, the sprinter performed credibly on the big stage in Sydney on Saturday where he ran into third in the Group 1 The Galaxy.

As the new face around the stable and in the jockeys room, Martin is keen to keep the positive results rolling for his new boss.

“Promiscuous Girl has been in good form but we have drawn a bit sticky,” Martin said.

“She comes good in the weights and has the blinkers on. She has been pretty consistent this prep.

“The wide gate with the rail out so far, it is a bit of a query but I think quality wise, she is probably my best chance to break through from my rides here over the last few weeks.”

The Victorian hoop has competed at the highest level throughout his career, partnering Moss 'n' Dale in the All-Star Mile back in 2019 when he was still an apprentice.

Moss 'n' Dale provided Martin with some of his best days in racing as they combined for a few black-type honours. 

He posted 54 victories last campaign and claimed the Canberra riding premiership.

With long-standing connections to the Hoysted barn, Martin was keen to try his hand at riding in Queensland and will consider staying long-term if things go to plan.

The experienced jockey is hopeful the warmer climates will aid his back that often gives him trouble in the Canberra cold while also noting that less driving across South East Queensland will also help the ailment.

“I wanted to give it a go really because I lost a bit of momentum with my riding over the Christmas and New Year period with a bit of time off with injury,” Martin said.

“Now is a good chance to come up here and have a go. They suggested I come up for a bit and I am happy to work hard and make a fist of it to see how we go.

“It is always hard to break into a new place but with a bit of luck and hard work, you can get a bit of a roll on.”

Hoysted has handed Martin four of his first few engagements in Queensland.

He has also been backed by stables such as Kurt Goldman and Robert Heathcote, who he will also ride for on Wednesday.

Martin has been booked for Honfleur for Goldman in the Maiden Handicap over 1800 metres and Heathcote’s Kodiak in the Class 5 Handicap over 1200 metres.

The hoop knows Goldman from his days in the southern states and rode a bit of work for him at the Gold Coast last week, as well as giving a hand to a few other Aquis Park conditioners.

“I am lucky Matty’s stable is backing me at the moment,” Martin said.

“Matthew Hoysted is a good friend of mine, as is his right-hand-man at the moment, Jordan Mallyon.

“Hopefully those opportunities grow and it can lead to more. Riding for one of the top barns like Matty’s, it could open a few doors as I can ride light, which is another advantage.”

Following Wednesday's city midweek meeting, Martin has bookings for Ipswich and the Gold Coast this weekend.

He can comfortably ride at 55kg and can go lower over the carnival periods if required.