Preusker confirms John Allen to ride Steparty in Caulfield Guineas

Trainer Paul Preusker has ended speculation as to who will ride unbeaten colt Steparty in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

Dean Yendall was the incumbent until he was injured at the Colac jump-outs earlier this month, sidelined with a broken collarbone and replaced by John Allen.

Steparty won with Allen aboard on debut at Ballarat in May before Yendall took over to score successive wins at Flemington.

With Yendall out injured, Allen was back aboard for wins at Moonee Valley and again last Saturday in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m).

Yendall returned to race riding at Warrnambool on Monday, but on Tuesday Preusker announced Allen would ride Steparty in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 14, while a start in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 28 is also under consideration.

“We’re going to run with Johnny and hopefully the horse is still intact and there’s a ride for Deano after it,” Preusker told RSN.

“It’s a tricky situation with him (Yendall). It’s lucky he’s come back early, but we’ve had to book in a rider early and he has given up commitments, so we’re going to stick with Johnny.

“I’m sure if we’re going good enough, there’ll be another ride for Deano on it.

“It’s a bugger of a spot to be in. We’re in it and we have to deal with it the best we can.”

Preusker said Steparty had come through his win on Saturday in excellent order after giving the leaders a start on the home turn and getting up on the line to score a narrow win.

“He ate up that night and he was ready to go the next day,” Preusker said.

“He did a nice piece of work this morning, so I can’t fault him.”