Zac Lloyd secures Epsom ride on unbeaten mare Well Written

Zac Lloyd will ride unbeaten New Zealand mare Well Written in the $1.5 million Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick on October 3.

Trainer Stephen Marsh confirmed the booking on Monday after Well Written received 55kg for the 1600-metre handicap. The four-year-old will remain at Marsh’s Cambridge base until travelling to Sydney during race week.

Marsh told The New Zealand Herald that Well Written was unlikely to appear publicly before her Australian debut.

“She is a naturally fit horse who we will give a few good gallops here at Cambridge and she will fly to Sydney the week of the race,” Marsh said.

The Epsom will be Well Written’s first start without Matt Cartwright in the saddle. Cartwright partnered the mare through her unbeaten three-year-old season and again in her first start at four, the Group 1 Proisir Plate at Ellerslie on September 5.

Marsh said the owners, including Yulong Investments, decided that securing a Sydney-based jockey was important for the Epsom.

“Matt has been an integral part of Well Written’s career to date and will continue to play an important role in the preparation for her Australian campaign,” he said.

Well Written had held early favouritism but moved to $4.20 after the weights were released on Monday. Autumn Boy, allocated 55.5kg, became the $3.50 favourite and is expected to be ridden by James McDonald.

As reported after her Ellerslie return, the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year is also being prepared for the A$10 million Golden Eagle at Randwick on October 31, subject to how she comes through the Epsom.