Jockey motivated to make weight for Know Thyself in The Lakes Mile at Wyong

Bullock was excited to see what the Scone galloper could produce in second place over the kilometres.

“You never want to say that good horses come back better, but I guess that’s what happened,” Bullock said. “The first thing he did the other day was huge.

“He had a sore foot but it was to Paul and Leah’s credit that they spent time with him. “Sometimes horses can lead you down a bit of a blind path when you think they’re good when they’re not, but they took the time to prove him right.

“His attempts are never sudden. I just let him wander around and people probably thought he wasn’t in the best shape, but that’s the first time he showed it. And he’ll be even better in the second kilometer.”

Bullock was relieved when Know Thyself came in handy at gate four on the narrow Wyong track.

“They postponed the barrier shootings [on Wednesday] and I was sitting there all morning refreshing the website and finally he drew the fourth hurdle and it couldn’t have worked out better,” he said.

“It wouldn’t matter if it was any other track – we won from the outside barrier the other day – but around Wyong it helps to get a good draw.”

The opportunity on the lakes comes as Bullock has his sights set on high hopes with titles in the Provincial-Midway series in the autumn with the Damien Lane-trained Oakfield Jupiter and Messara-Gavranich’s Kosciuszko winner Clear Thinking in the Country.

“For me, the next three weeks will be just about maintaining my driving rhythm,” he said. “I’ve just come back from Christmas leave, I’ll have a weekend off for the Australia Day weekend and then I’m ready for the Championships because I know at 57 I’ll have to ride a few horses.

“Bruce Mackenzie’s horse is Oakfield Jupiter, he’s a really good horse and if he gets in he’ll be almost favorite for the final. Then I’ll ride Clear Thinking in the Country heats. He’ll start at $1.50. Paul immediately ranked him after The Hunter because if he wins another one he won’t be selected. He’s an absolute horse and is as good as Know Thyself so I’m looking forward to that.”

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“It’s just about getting my body as fit and healthy as possible coming into the February qualifiers and Championships.”

On Saturday, Bullock also races Age Of Sail ($11, race four) and Hanau ($10, race five) for Newcastle trainers Kris Lees and Mark Minervini. Bullock rode Age Of Sail to victory in the Port Macquarie Cup in October and has since completed three stakes races without placing.

“It’s not an easy horse to ride,” he said. “You have to ask for everything you want from him. But it’s the right distance for him and it’s a big drop in class. He’s been in some pretty tough races lately, so hopefully he can get back to his old form.”