The Melbourne Cup, Victoria Derby and Turnbull Stakes, few can boast a record even coming close to the efforts of legendary horse Efficient.

Michael Rodd was the jockey aboard two of these wins so it’s fair to say not many know the horse as well as him.

So when Rodd drew comparisons with Efficient and up and comer Studley Park it’s not surprising many people are taking notice.

In fact Studley Park not only shares the same jockey as Efficient but also the same father, million dollar earner Zabeel.

The comparisons come after last Wednesday’s Mitty’s Handicap at Sandown where Rodd was standing in for the suspended Nick Hall.

After being blocked for a run half way down the straight Rodd pushed the horse through a narrow gap and powered to an impressive two length win.

Rodd said Studley Park was probably more sensible then Efficient was in the early part of his career.

“I spoke to Lloyd Williams (owner) this morning and he’s very positive about the horse’s future and said how much he’s got to go still,” Rodd said.

“He’s a Zabeel but he’s still very immature to look at. Mentally he’s very mature but to do what he did at his second start in a race, to come to town against more experienced horses and win at this weight level and to take the gap that was very narrow – it’s probably lucky that he is so skinny – because it was a very narrow gap but he didn’t bat an eyelid. He went straight through it.

“The sky’s the limit for this bloke,” he said.

No doubt after this glowing recommendation there will be many punters waiting anxiously to see where Lloyd Williams decides to go with the four year old.
It also might be enough for Rodd to keep a hold of the ride after Nick Hall returns form suspension.

Be sure to keep an eye out on Luxbet for Studley Park, potentially a champion in waiting.