Just wondering what your thoughts are on Damien Oliver and the coming Spring.

My biggest question is do you think he will get any plump rides after missing out on Autumn and last spring? (ie. Serenade rose, Our smoking Joe from Freeman's stable plus other trainers he used to do a lot for).

hey dealer,

I would suggest you take careful notice of anything Ollie rides during the spring carnival.To my eye,his confidence is slowly coming back.He may never be as good as he was,but be wary,he is still a force to be reckoned with,no matter who he rides for.Now is maybe the time to follow him,as his rides are not being overbet.

cheers

Just saw the fall for the first time. What rotten luck for Ollie and of course Langarza and connections. The fall looked really bad the way the horse hit the inside running rail. Thankfully it seems Ollie escaped with just a broken bone in his hand and facial injuries.

Yeah I was watching it live,hadn't had a bet only just got home,didn't even know ollie was on it until brian martin said after the race was run and won.Looked horrific,seemed to me like Ollie was angling for a run on the inside and maybe clipped heels of the runner in front.Thank God he is not(apparently)badly hurt.He was just starting to get his confidence back,but maybe now he might quit.I hope not.

Given Ollie has only just recently returned to the saddle after spending the previous 15-months on the sidelines due to injuries sustained from a race fall at Moonee Valley and race falls taking the lives of his brother Jason and father Ray..who would blame him if he quit.

..who would blame him if he quit...certainly not me..bit surprised he came back after the fall at MV..

Speedy recovery Damien. Thoughts with you Pat.

G'Day Real Deal,

Yes, unfortunately Damien certainly has his problems at the moment and let's all hope he recuperates quickly and is soon amongst the winners.
The bond between Damien and the Freedmans is so strong that I suggest they will direct "plum" or "choice" rides his way during the next few months. I will certainly be watching closely to evaluate how things unfold.
I know that racing is a "business" but there is still scope for "great" riders to be given the opportunity to regain their previous status.
For example, let's hope that Serenade Rose performs well this Spring and provides Damien with the opportunity of Group 1 success!

Cheers.

Damian would have to be out for a few months with those injurys...he was starting to get that edge back aswell ,,,
but after seeing that fall live on tv ..i'm guessing he'd take those injurys anytime when you consider what could have happened..
must admit on seeing it live i initially thought the worse...

You couldnt pay me enough to be a jockey...those guys n girls have bigger balls than i

In relation to my comments in post8 regarding Serenade Rose, I now believe that S. King has a firm booking for this mighy performer for the Spring races.
Anyhow, Ollie, get better soon!

Cheers.