James McDonald riding Yucatan wins Race 10 Ladbrokes Herbert Power Stakes during Melbourne Racing at Caulfield Racecourse on October 13, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Boost in confidence for James McDonald ahead of Melbourne Cup

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2018, 8:50AM

Kiwi jockey James McDonald says riding the favourite Yucatan has given him a boost of confidence for today's 158th Melbourne Cup.

Speaking with Mike Hosking he said he is looking forward to the race.

"You're in the biggest race of the year, especially in Australasia, and you're in with a chance. It's really, really exciting I can't wait to get out there and head to the race."

McDonald said the barrier draw isn't ideal but there's not much he can do about it.

"It's not in our hands. It's in the luck of the gods so we have to deal with the cards we are dealt and make the best of a bad situation, but I'm sure we will come up with a game plan and I'm sure it will work itself out."

He said they roughly plan the race but "when the gates open plenty of things could happen" and it's his job to figure it all out.

LISTEN ABOVE AS JAMES MCDONALD SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING