Racehorse TALK

Penza working hard for The Embassy
BY SHAYNE O'CASS
HARD work and loyalty are two traits that never go unrewarded.

And there aren't many harder working jockeys than Jeff Penza who was loading up the car on his way to today's Bathurst races when we caught up with him this morning.
On Sunday, Penza will head to Queanbeyan for a half a dozen mounts.
That's a round trip of over 800 kilometres - and it's not unusual.

But Penza won't have to go far from home tomorrow.
Instead he is required at Rosehill by Sydney's current leading trainer Chris Waller to ride up- and-coming stayer The Embassy.
It's his only ride.

Penza has been aboard the former enzeder since his three-race winning
streak started at Kembla on August 1.
The new season coincided with a complete turnaround in The Embassy's form.
``I spoke to a couple of people I know in New Zealand about the horse and they can't believe it,'' Penza said.
``They said he was a one-pacer who was getting beaten in easier races over there.''

Penza attributes much of The Embassy's surge to firm tracks, even though he won the slow going at Canterbury two starts ago.
``Canterbury was a tough run, he fell in and never felt right and didn't show that turn of foot that we saw at Kembla because of the track. He doesn't like wet-tracks because he can't get any traction,'' Penza said.
``And you saw what he did at Rosehill last start, it was a fantastic win.
``Hopefully we don't get any rain, it doesn't look like we will, and he'll be very competitive again tomorrow.''

City-class jockeys like Penza are a blessing for trainers at the provincials, he could easily have had a full book at Kembla tomorrow if he wanted.
``Opportunities like this don't come along very often. I've got plenty of other rides for the week, so I can go to Rosehill and put my feet up,'' he joked.

Penza and The Embassy are such a good team that Waller is unlikely to separate the pair - and that could mean a well deserved Group win for the popular hoop.
``I think he is a true stayer, he lopes along in his races and is a very relaxed horse with a turn of foot. I think the Metropolitan is definitely on his agenda.''

The Embassy is currently listed as a $21 chance for the AJC Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick on October 3.