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Why J-Mac rates his âgolden girlâ Randwick rides
Andrew Slevison ⹠ October 30th, 2025 5:30 pm
James McDonald will be riding what he describes as the âgolden girlsâ at Randwick on Saturday.
J-Mac has been kept away from his recent domination of Derby Day at Flemington due to his strong chances in Sydney.
He believes Lady Shenandoah, with some luck, can win the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes on what is a massive Golden Eagle Day.
The Chris Waller-trained three-time Group 1 winning mare has been unable to salute this preparation but has been a little unfortunate in her three runs in.
She was second in the Concorde behind Headwall first-up, fourth in the Group 1 Manikato at The Valley won by Charm Stone and then had no luck whatsoever when seventh in Ka Ying Risingâs Everest a fortnight ago.
Lady Shenandoah is up against the highly-rated Jimmysstar and Briasa this weekend but if she gets a smooth run she can salute, says J-Mac.
âShe just needs the rub of the green to go our way,â McDonald said on SENTrack & RSNâs Giddy Up.
âIf she gets in any sort of position where itâs smooth for her sheâll be hard to beat, donât worry about that.
âShe just hasnât had a smoothly run race. Moonee Valley was horrific, last start was horrific, and sheâs still finishing on the heels of the winners.
âShe can definitely win, thatâs for sure. Sheâs very good.â
The gun hoop will also partner $10 million Golden Eagle favourite Autumn Glow who has seven wins from as many career starts.
While the presence of Japanese raider Panja Tower and the form of fellow four-year-old Linebacker makes it intriguing, McDonald is confident heâs on the right horse.
âIt looks the big three. She is an exceptional talent, sheâs going really well,â he added.
âObviously this is her toughest test and Iâm looking forward to seeing how she copes with it. I think sheâll cope really well.
âThere are big, big spruiks around the Japanese horse (Panja Tower) and Linebacker is flying.
âItâs definitely no pushover for her and sheâs going to have to rise to the occasion, but I think weâve got the right horse.â
Coolmore insight
Away from Sydney and McDonald gave his insight into the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day.
Having won three of the past four editions on Switzerland, In Secret and Home Affairs, J-Mac is well-versed to pass judgment on the lucrative stallion-making sprint race.
Godolphin pair Tentyris and Beiwacht are at the top of the market with another New South Wales visitor Beadman is right behind them, and is the last-start Golden Rose winner who stands above the rest.
âThe big three are all very good but if Beiwacht replicates what he did in the Golden Rose they wonât beat him,â he stated.
Meydaan purring
J-Mac also took Melbourne Cup hope Meydaan for a spin at Werribee earlier on Thursday morning and was glowing in his appraisal of the UK raider trained by Ed & Simon Crisford.
âHe worked lovely this morning, he improved off his gallop on Sunday when I rode him,â he said.
âHeâs bouncing, heâs very well. He definitely improved from his first gallop to his second gallop which is a good sign.
âHe didnât blow a match out (on the weekend) and today he worked a little bit stronger and was very enthusiastic in his work.
âIt basically took me a lap to pull him up. Neâs going really well, he feels great. Heâs in with a really good chance and Iâm very happy to be riding him.â
Meydaan is currently rated a $15 chance with Sportsbet for Tuesdayâs Cup.
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