Mature Cartwright looking to keep the streak alive with NZ’s best horse
By James Lamb
As the jockey entrusted with keeping Well Written’s unbeaten streak alive, Matthew Cartwright admits he feels some added pressure ahead of the glamour mare’s return this Saturday.
New Zealand’s most exciting galloper is an even-money favourite for the Group 1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie as she looks to make it seven from seven for trainer Stephen Marsh.
“There are a few more nerves just because she’s unbeaten and there’s that expectation for her to win again,” Cartwright told New Zealand Trial Watcher.
Cartwright, who is in his third season of riding in New Zealand after making the move from Victoria, has partnered Well Written in all of her runs and says she’s the best horse he’s ridden – and that includes an Everest winner.
“I’d say she is (the best). I won on Giga Kick and he’s obviously a very high-quality horse, but she’s pretty special,” Cartwright said.
An ambitious Sydney spring raid awaits Well Written if she races up to expectations on Saturday, with the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) and $10m Golden Eagle (1500m) firmly on the agenda.
While Cartwright would obviously jump at the chance to partner Well Written in Australia (which jockey wouldn’t!), it is a decision that rests with Marsh and connections.
“I just want to give her a good ride first-up, that’s my focus right now,” he said.
Cartwright believes he’s a far better rider now than when he left Victoria, and his association with Well Written has been influential in that improvement.
“Just being exposed to the big races over here and having to deal with the added pressure.
“It’s pressure that I hadn’t felt before and I think it makes you sharper.
“Mentally, I’ve definitely matured as a rider since coming over here and Well Written has played a big part in that,” Cartwright said.
A lack of opportunities back home was the driving factor behind Cartwright’s move across the ditch.
Like many young jockeys, particularly those based in Victoria and New South Wales, he found the transition from apprentice rider to senior quite challenging.
“It’s hard when the opportunities you get as an apprentice suddenly dry up.
“Thankfully when I came over here, I had heaps of support and was able to get the confidence up with a few winners,” Cartwright said.
With the support of top stables and a winning strike rate of 22 percent across his last 100 rides, Cartwright is in no great rush to move back to Australia.
“I don’t have any plans to move. I’ll play it by ear but my future is definitely here at the moment, that’s for sure.”
While there will be some nerves in the lead-up to Saturday’s Proisir Plate, Cartwright says Well Written couldn’t be in any better shape for her first-up assignment.
“She’s coming up against pretty much the best weight for age horses over here, so she does need to take that next step, but I’m confident she will.
“She’s had a couple of trials and I couldn’t fault her at all – she’s stronger and just seems to have matured over the break.
“Hopefully she draws a decent gate and can get the job done again,” Cartwright said.
TAB has Well Written as a $4.50 fixed odds favourite for the Epsom, while she’s currently an $11 chance for the Golden Eagle in a market dominated by Sheza Alibi at $1.80.
