Husbands not threatened by Da Silva's form at Woodbine

Woodbine jockeys' champion Patrick Husbands says he is not intimidated by the outstanding form of championship leader Eurico Rosa Da Silva.

Husbands, a six-time Woodbine champion, has been forced to play second fiddle this season to Da Silva, who leads the standings with 70 wins.

The 36-year-old Husbands lies second on 68 wins, just four ahead of Chantal Sutherland, with veteran Trinidadian Emile Ramsammy in fourth on 54.

Husbands told CMC Sports that while Brazilian Da Silva's form had been indeed impressive, he would increase his tempo in the latter half of the season.

"He's doing a good job but when I really put the screws to the metal, it will be a different story," Husbands told CMC Sports.

"He's riding good but you know me, I always like a challenge and I'm all about championships. He's riding extremely good but we will see at the end of the year who is the boss."

Da Silva inflicted a heavy defeat on Husbands earlier this month when he won the CAN$ one million Queen's Plate.

Aboard Big Red Mike, Da Silva made all the running with Husbands tucked away in second with Hotep. When Husbands challenged in the stretch, Big Red Mike produced a late burst to win comfortably.

"Unfortunately, in the Plate he (Da Silva) got the upper hand on me and he won the race. There was no excuse on my part," Husbands said.

Despite having won the last three riding titles at the celebrated Canadian racetrack, Husbands said he was still focused on winning the 2010 championship.

Championships

However, he also has his eyes on the Breeder's Cup in November and on winning the final two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes on Saturday and the Breeders Stakes in August.

"This year, I'm all about championships and I hope I get a chance to win a Breeders Cup this year, which is on the outskirts of Toronto," he stressed.

"Right now I'm on the Championship ship. I have so much ammunition right now, I will be dangerous at the end of the year."

The Woodbine season ends in the first week of December.