Melbourne Cup favourite Surprise Baby will be ridden by jockey Craig Williams in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 5, replacing Jordan Childs.
Childs rode Surprise Baby last spring, where the Paul Preusker-trained gelding won the Bart Cummings, before finishing 5th in the Melbourne Cup.
That Melbourne Cup was won by Danny O’Brien’s Vow And Declare who Williams rode, and it appears the champion rider has a tough decision to make for the Spring Carnival’s feature staying event.
Pete Newcombe, Childs’ manager, confirmed the news, “Jordan is disappointed to lose the rise but appreciates the opportunities he has been given on the horse.”
Surprise Baby is a $9 favourite for the Melbourne Cup, with Vow And Declare a $26 chance with the significant weight penalty thanks to last year’s victory.
