David Taggart’s Top 5 rides & jockeys of the Flemington Carnival

Former star jockey David Taggart has ranked his Top 5 rides and jockeys from the Flemington Carnival.

The six-time Group 1 winner and SENTrack analyst has rated what he believes to be the best individual rides across the four days at headquarters.

He has also given extra points to the jockeys who were prolific over Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Champions Day.

“It’s the best five jockeys over the Flemington Carnival and the gun rides,” he said on SENTrack.

Taggart’s Top 5 rides from the Flemington Carnival

5 - Damian Lane

For his ride on Treasurethe Moment in the Oaks

“His ride in the Oaks on Treasurethe Moment was very good,” said Taggart.

“He drew bad but took the race by the scruff of the neck and went forward. He had her midfield and one off the fence, J-Mac drew inside them (on Powers Of Opal) but was three deep. It was probably the only mistake J-Mac made all carnival.”

4 - Robbie Dolan

For his ride on Knight’s Choice in the Melbourne Cup

“You’ve got to throw him in. The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, the Melbourne Cup-winning ride.

“That was exceptional on Knight’s Choice. He hasn’t had many rides at Flemington and that was a pearler that ride.

“When you have a look at where Joao Moreira (on Buckaroo) went and where Dolan went, it’s chalk and cheese.

“Robbie Dolan, the singing jockey, wow, wow, wow.”

3 - Ben Melham

For his ride on Bel Air (and consistency in riding four winners total)

“Rode four winners over the carnival.

“His ride on Bel Air was exceptional. For him to sit outside the leader on a horse that usually gets back because not much was making ground…

“He knew what he was doing, he did his form, plus he rode another three over that four days.

“A huge four days.”

2 - Jamie Kah

For her ride on Goldrush Guru in the Derby (as well as on Another Wil)

“That ride to win the Derby on Goldrush Guru was one of the greats.

“She went forward, she took the risk, she gambled. The favourite, El Castello and Josh Parr, went back and it cost him the Derby.

“She sat in the 1:1 from nearly the outside gate. Jamie Kah, take a bow. That was a star ride by Kah.”

1 - James McDonald

For his rides on Amelita & Sunshine In Paris (and for riding 11 winners total)

“Which ride would you like to talk about with J-Mac?

“Amelita from barrier 1, Sunshine In Paris - the two straight races were magnificent rides.

“The ride on Amelita, wowee, and then takes out the Group 1 sprint on Sunshine In Paris.

“And there were more. J-Mac, outstanding.

“So he’s number one for his ride on Amelita but what he did with his other 10 winners as well.”