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By Ray Hickson

It’s potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity jockey Billy Owen didn’t want to miss so when he rides Country Championships winner Asgarda in Saturday’s $2m The Kosciuszko (1200m) on TAB Everest Day it’ll be his sole focus for the weekend.

Jockey Billy Owen with Asgarda's connections and trainer Doug Gorrel (right). Pic: Kylie Shaw/Trackpix.

Under normal circumstances Owen would have been riding at Asgarda’s home town of Wagga when The Kosciuszko is run, and probably Nowra on Sunday, but jumped at the chance to head to Royal Randwick when trainer Doug Gorrel booked him for what will be the biggest ride of almost 2500 in his career.

The 32-year-old took over the riding of Asgarda from Kayla Nisbet, who is now retired and working for Sky Racing, this preparation and the partnership had the perfect start when they scored a first-up win that ultimately won the mare a place in the $2 million race.

“Any ride on such a big day you still get that thrill out of it with the big crowd and the atmosphere,’’ Owen said.

“To actually be in a $2 million race you’ve got to pinch yourself.

“I’m certainly looking forward to it but keeping things in check. It’s exciting but I’m keen to get the horse to the day.

“I always knew I was a chance, I trialled her now Kayla has retired and rode her with 62kg first-up and got the job done. But until you get that call and they officially book you, you never know.

“My biggest win would be just a Saturday race in town. I’m stoked for the opportunity but I’m focused on getting the job done.”

Asgarda is aiming to be the second Country Championships winner to complete the big country double after Art Cadeau in 2021.

Owen went into the first-up run over an unsuitable 1000m back on September 21 not exactly expecting her to win, knowing there was improvement to come, but when she did couldn't believes how good she felt.

“I’m not sure what Doug’s thoughts were, I was rapt with her trial but not knowing her and being 1000m, she won first-up over 1300m last prep, we were going there hoping she’d run really well,’’ he said.

“After the race I was a bit gobsmacked. And it was quite soft in the end.

“The big weight drop will be a relief for her but the best thing about her is she’s just so versatile. She handles all conditions and you could see her will to win the other day.

“She’s a jockey’s dream horse to ride in a race because you know what you’re going to get with her.”

The five-year-old completed the 14 horse Kosciuszko field when Wagga slot winner Mal Noack and his group elected to select the local hope.

She’s a $21 chance prior to the barrier draw but regardless of her starting position Owen said the likelihood of a genuine gallop gives him confidence that Asgarda can be a factor knowing she’ll be strong at the end of 1200m.

Owen said other jockeys will be wary not to allow dual winner Front Page, with James McDonald in the saddle, the opportunity to control the race and he hopes that works to his advantage.

“There’s always good tempo in these races, I don’t think people will be going out there to ride against Front Page but they’ll be putting themselves in a spot to give themselves a chance to win,’’ he said.

“A hot tempo is certainly in our favour and I know we’ll be charging through the line.

Asgarda wins at Wagga on September 21

“She’s a quirky mare and I think that’s the main reason they like sticking with a certain jockey, but I think the mare has matured again because a couple of things about her Kayla mentioned she’s not doing this prep.

“After that win at Wagga I’ve got all the faith in the world. She was the last horse picked but she won’t be going there making up the numbers.”

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