Timing plays out perfectly for Gibbons and Linebacker
A run-of-the-mill benchmark race at Rosehill in July has turned into a sliding doors moment for jockey Dylan Gibbons as he prepares to ride top galloper Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m).
The young jockey had only been back in the saddle for a couple of months following surgery to a shoulder when he partnered Good Banter (NZ) (Tavistock) to that winter victory.
In the aftermath, he approached co-trainer John O'Shea to thank him for the opportunity, one thing led to another, and along with fellow jockey and good friend Zac Lloyd, Gibbons now rides work for the stable every Tuesday morning.
"Me and Zac are there every Tuesday together sending most of them around," Gibbons said.
"They took me under their wing, which I'm very grateful for, and you've seen the winners we've had lately.
"Now having a couple of his good horses in one race, Zac can't ride them all, so I've been fortunate to borrow Linebacker off him on Saturday, and he will obviously be a great hope."
The winner of the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on the corresponding program 12 months ago, Linebacker resumes from an interrupted spring campaign in which his highlight was a victory in the Gr.3 Silver Eagle (1300m) over Saturday's course and distance.
While he is better known as a miler, he can sprint well fresh and even claimed the scalp of Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) in a barrier trial prior to the Hong Kong star's Gr.1 Everest (1200m) triumph.
Regardless of whether Saturday's opportunity proves a one-off, Gibbons is keen to grasp it with both hands, and he won't be surprised if Linebacker can feature in the finish.
"I'll just go out there and do my job and if we can get a result, great," Gibbons said.
"He's a good horse starting his preparation so as long as we get things right and start him off well, that will keep the team and connections happy.
"I had a sit on him on Tuesday to get a feel for him and his work impressed me a lot. I'd be confident in saying I don't think sharpness will be what beats him on Saturday off his work.
"I'm very happy with how he is going into it and I'm really looking forward to the race."
Ironically, Gibbons reunites with Good Banter for the first time since that Rosehill win in the Aspiration Quality (1600m). - RAS NewsWire
