Jet-setting jockey Craig Williams is gearing up for a busy week culminating in two Group One rides at Caulfield on Saturday.The winner of the past four riders' premierships in Melbourne, Williams is in Hong Kong to partner the John Size-trained Tuscan Spirit in the Derby Trial (1800m) at Sha Tin on Tuesday.He will then go from racetrack to airport to fly home for Wednesday's Mornington Cup meeting where rides aboard Caulfield Guineas runner-up Carrara (Hareeba Stakes) and Blackfriars Bridge (Cu
Jet-setting jockey Craig Williams is gearing up for a busy week culminating in two Group One rides at Caulfield on Saturday.
The winner of the past four riders' premierships in Melbourne, Williams is in Hong Kong to partner the John Size-trained Tuscan Spirit in the Derby Trial (1800m) at Sha Tin on Tuesday.
He will then go from racetrack to airport to fly home for Wednesday's Mornington Cup meeting where rides aboard Caulfield Guineas runner-up Carrara (Hareeba Stakes) and Blackfriars Bridge (Cup) await.
Come Friday night, Williams will be in action at Moonee Valley before backing up at Caulfield a day later for a bumper Blue Diamond Stakes day.
He has rides in both Group One races, Prelude runner-up She's Got Gears in the Blue Diamond and speedy filly Avenue in the Oakleigh Plate.
Hard work is second nature to Williams, who had a high-profile split with trainer David Hayes last spring after four successful years together.
But doors are continuing to open and while the hoop's immediate focus is on riding winners in Australia, he hasn't ruled out returning overseas in the future.
"It's great to have options," Williams said.
"I've been offered a contract in Japan and I'm riding in Hong Kong tomorrow and then I'm back here for the (Hong Kong) Derby.
"But my main priority at the moment is Australian racing.
"I'm really looking forward to the autumn carnival, the good races in Melbourne and then coming up to Sydney."
Williams has also established a healthy relationship with Nathan Tinkler's Patinack Farm which recently acquired stables in Melbourne.
He will ride No Evidence Needed for Tinkler in the Group Two Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and is also the regular rider of outstanding three-year-old Trusting.
Williams travelled to Sydney last Friday to pilot 11 horses for Patinack at the Warwick Farm barrier trials, including Trusting, who is scheduled to resume in next month's Newmarket Handicap.
"Nathan has bought a great mob of horses and under (trainer) John Thompson it's all changing," Williams said.
"I've had good success for them and I enjoy riding for them.
"I was a bit disappointed with (Trusting) in the trial but he is still a month away from racing.
"The most important thing is he pulled up well and it's only the start of his preparation so he will come on from it."
Williams is also within striking distance of another premiership title with a double at Moonee Valley on Saturday moving him into equal fifth place, eight wins behind leader Damien Oliver with whom he shared last season's premiership.