Codi Jordan Confident Ahead of Launceston Night Racing

Multiple premiership-winning jockey Codi Jordan is building momentum after a quiet start to the season and heads into Friday’s opening night meeting at Launceston with renewed confidence.

Jordan, a rider with one senior premiership and two apprentice titles, has recently had some successful rides at Devonport and is aware that her riding is starting to flow. Having no less than seven rides in the eight-race program, she is positive that she can do well.

Jordan’s night begins with Stuart Gandy-trained Don’t Give Up in race one, where she believes the gelding presents as a strong chance if things fall into place.

“I’d like to think if I can keep Stuart’s horse happy in the first, he’s a bit of a big strong bugger, but if he gets things right, he flew home last start, and I don’t see why he won’t be a top chance,” Jordan said.

Her second ride of the night will be aboard Who’s In Dev in race two, another Gandy-trained runner. Jordan noted the filly is still developing, but he has a hope that stepping up in distance will be in her favour at Launceston.

Confidence, she says, is key to her riding at Launceston. Support from leading trainers also plays an important part.

“I think confidence is top tier for me and my riding ability. Having someone like Glenn Stevenson backing me gives me that lift, and for him to say, ‘You’re not riding that bad, just stick it out,’ definitely makes a difference.”

This week marks the first of five consecutive Friday night meetings at Launceston. Jordan welcomes the schedule, which allows riders some flexibility outside racing.

“I think that Friday night gives us a bit of weekend freedom. We can have a little bit of a social life. It is a late night, but you get the chance to do things with friends and family,” she said.

Jordan added that riding trackwork on the morning of the meeting helps prepare her for the evening.

“It gets your body going, you can go home, do some jobs, and then get into a night of racing. I much prefer it.”

Jordan’s book of rides also includes Novalargo in race three and Prix De Turn in race seven, both expected to be competitive.

Novalargo looks well placed to make an impact, while Prix De Turn is a fascinating runner for Stevenson. Horse is a seven-year-old, started his career with supreme success and last year won the $ 750,000 Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Prix De Turn was not good at his race in Tasmania in August. He came last in an Open Handicap at Hobart. Jordan said he retains plenty of ability but remains unpredictable.

“This horse has a lot of ability, but I think his mind is elsewhere. He ran okay first-up, we didn’t expect a lot. He’s had a bit of a freshen up now, and I think he will appreciate Launceston. If he wants to do it, he can, but he might have his head elsewhere,” she said.

Forecast for Launceston is a nice day with a highest of 19 degrees, and the rail at the true position. The very first event will be at 6:00 pm.

Among Jordan’s rides, Don’t Give Up in race one shapes as a strong betting play, while Crack The Shutters in race four also appeals. Despite a wide draw, the filly has shown promise at the trials and trainer Stuart Gandy holds her in high regard.

Tasracing Live and Sky Thoroughbred Central will provide coverage of the full meeting, with Matt Reid joining the broadcast team.Jordan, buoyed by recent winners and encouraged by her support network, heads into Launceston’s night racing season aiming to build consistency and remind the racing community of her proven class.