KATSIDIS - "IT'S GOING TO BE FUN"

By Graham Potter | Friday, July 9, 2010

Stathi Katisdis edged into the narrowest of leads in the battle for the Brisbane Jockey Premiership when he landed a double at Doomben on Wednesday.

The Premiership would be the cherry on the top of a stellar season for Katsidis whose efforts have been elevated to role-model status since his return to the saddle a year ago.

Younger riders could do a lot worse than watch videos of the rides of Katsidis in order to learn how to hone their skills while his work ethic this season has been second to none.

Riding work ... going to Sydney to ride on a Saturday and then racing back to Queensland for a few rides at a Provincial meeting at the Sunshine Coast on the Sunday have all been part and parcel of a rigorous regime to which Katsidis has applied himself as he has pushed himself as never before, both mentally and physically.

Katsidis is undoubtedly at the top of his profession and on a weekly basis he is displaying all of the attributes it takes to get there.

A big plus for Katsidis is the laid back nature he has the minute he steps from the saddle.

Not that any competitive edge is lost in the transformation. Katsidis remains acutely aware of what is required of him with regard to form study and mental build-up, but he removes the intensity and that singular focus from his persona until it is time to apply it.

Not surprising then that Katsidis had a refreshing approach to the challenge the final three weeks of the season would bring with regard to the three-way go between himself, Jim Byrne and Larry Cassidy for the Brisbane Jockey's Premiership.

Stathi Katsidis: "It's going to be fun.

"Sometimes these midweek meetings can be a little bit boring I suppose, but this had added a real bit of zip to it.

"There is a real spark. These midweek meetings now feel like Saturday meetings.

"Larry comes to these meetings week in and week out and he rides three or four winners. A couple of weeks ago he rode four winners ... nearly five ... it's inspiring really.

"His four wins were exceptional as was Jim's effort with five wins earlier in the season.

"I find these midweek meetings harder to ride multiple winners at then a Saturday.

"There are less quality horses and less chances in a race, so for Larry to be doing what he is doing is amazing ... and you know Jim will always kick back again and make it interesting.

"I will miss one meeting ... the very last meeting of the season. I'm going down to ride Shoot Out.

"I reckon I'll have to be two or three in front by then if I'm going to be some hope of winning it.

"It obviously depends on what happens in the next three weeks. Anything can happen, but I think it (the Premiership) will go right down to that last meeting.

"Like I said, the next month is going to be a heap of fun."

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