James McDonald to miss Wodeton ride in G2 Silver Slipper Stakes for Saudi Cup

James McDonald won’t be in the saddle for Saturday’s Silver Slipper Stakes, but the star jockey will have a keen interest in how Wodeton performs as he gears up for the Golden Slipper.

McDonald partnered the Chris Waller-trained colt to an eye-catching debut victory at Rosehill on January 18, but due to his commitment to Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup, Kerrin McEvoy will take over the reins for Saturday’s $300,000 Group 2 event.

Among Wodeton’s challengers are North England and Bel Merci, two highly regarded contenders in the 16-horse field.

“Out of the top four in the (Golden Slipper) market, three of them are going to be there, so it will be good,” McDonald said. “But he (Wodeton) is really well. He’s had a month between runs, had a mid-prep tick-over trial, so he’s nice and spot on.”

McDonald guided Wodeton through a 790m trial at Warwick Farm last Tuesday, where the colt cruised to fourth place without being fully extended.

As the $3.20 betting apps favorite for the Golden Slipper, Wodeton leads the market ahead of North England and Bel Merci, both priced at $11 alongside Apocalyptic.

Bel Merci, who scored a debut win in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m), was last seen dominating an 800m trial at Kembla Grange by 8-1/4 lengths. Meanwhile, North England heads into the Silver Slipper off a 3-1/2 length trial win over Bel Merci.

Also entered in the race are West Of Swindon, who ran a close second to North England in the Golden Gift, Lonhro Plate runner-up Beiwacht, Blue Diamond Prelude runner-up Devil Night, and the promising Gambler, who has impressed in two trials since being gelded.

The Silver Slipper Stakes will run alongside the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), where Broadsiding makes his anticipated return against Public Attention, Linebacker, Aeliana, and the in-form Point And Shoot.

With McDonald overseas, talented jockey Zac Lloyd will take the reins on Broadsiding in the $400,000 Group 2 event.