He has some brilliant rides in Sydney.

James McDonald will be riding what he describes as the “golden girls” at Randwick on Saturday.

J-Mac has been kept away from his recent domination of Derby Day at Flemington due to his strong chances in Sydney.

He believes Lady Shenandoah, with some luck, can win the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes on what is a massive Golden Eagle Day.

The Chris Waller-trained three-time Group 1 winning mare has been unable to salute this preparation but has been a little unfortunate in her three runs in.

She was second in the Concorde behind Headwall first-up, fourth in the Group 1 Manikato at The Valley won by Charm Stone and then had no luck whatsoever when seventh in Ka Ying Rising’s Everest a fortnight ago.

Lady Shenandoah is up against the highly-rated Jimmysstar and Briasa this weekend but if she gets a smooth run she can salute, says J-Mac.

“She just needs the rub of the green to go our way,” McDonald said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.

“If she gets in any sort of position where it’s smooth for her she’ll be hard to beat, don’t worry about that.

“She just hasn’t had a smoothly run race. Moonee Valley was horrific, last start was horrific, and she’s still finishing on the heels of the winners.

“She can definitely win, that’s for sure. She’s very good.”

The gun hoop will also partner $10 million Golden Eagle favourite Autumn Glow who has seven wins from as many career starts.

While the presence of Japanese raider Panja Tower and the form of fellow four-year-old Linebacker makes it intriguing, McDonald is confident he’s on the right horse.

“It looks the big three. She is an exceptional talent, she’s going really well,” he added.

“Obviously this is her toughest test and I’m looking forward to seeing how she copes with it. I think she’ll cope really well.

“There are big, big spruiks around the Japanese horse (Panja Tower) and Linebacker is flying.

“It’s definitely no pushover for her and she’s going to have to rise to the occasion, but I think we’ve got the right horse.”

Coolmore insight

Away from Sydney and McDonald gave his insight into the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day.

Having won three of the past four editions on Switzerland, In Secret and Home Affairs, J-Mac is well-versed to pass judgment on the lucrative stallion-making sprint race.

Godolphin pair Tentyris and Beiwacht are at the top of the market with another New South Wales visitor Beadman is right behind them, and is the last-start Golden Rose winner who stands above the rest.

“The big three are all very good but if Beiwacht replicates what he did in the Golden Rose they won’t beat him,” he stated.

Meydaan purring

J-Mac also took Melbourne Cup hope Meydaan for a spin at Werribee earlier on Thursday morning and was glowing in his appraisal of the UK raider trained by Ed & Simon Crisford.

“He worked lovely this morning, he improved off his gallop on Sunday when I rode him,” he said.

“He’s bouncing, he’s very well. He definitely improved from his first gallop to his second gallop which is a good sign.

“He didn’t blow a match out (on the weekend) and today he worked a little bit stronger and was very enthusiastic in his work.

“It basically took me a lap to pull him up. Ne’s going really well, he feels great. He’s in with a really good chance and I’m very happy to be riding him.”

Meydaan is currently rated a $15 chance with Sportsbet for Tuesday’s Cup.

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