McEvoy eyes success with Signor Tortoni during Rosehill return
Kerrin McEvoy is building momentum in his recovery from a foot problem, featuring seven rides at Rosehill Gardens and eyeing Group 1 chances shortly ahead.
After sustaining a broken foot in a January 15 barrier trial accident, the triple Melbourne Cup champion missed six weeks of action, resuming last Saturday with one ride and then taking four at Warwick Farm midweek.
Friday brings four more commitments at Kembla Grange's Classic day, setting up for the Coolmore Classic on Saturday, where he feels sharp and prepared.
"The foot feels good and it's nice to be back and have a few rides on Saturday," McEvoy said.
"I've had a few trials as well, and I've been able to get enough loading in the gym and on the bike. I have been swimming a lot, but there is nothing like race fitness."
McEvoy's selections at Rosehill feature Signor Tortoni, prepared by Ron Quinton, for the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m), the four-year-old qualifying for Group company via wins in his previous two easier assignments, including Saturday's track and distance.
"Ron said he's been in good order since, and he looks a good chance for me," McEvoy said.
"Ron has been patient. He's let him race into this type of company and to get there, he has been winning along the way.
"It's nice to see him in good form and I'm looking forward to riding him."
In the Sky High Stakes (2000m), McEvoy teams with River Of Stars, the Caulfield Cup runner-up, who prefers longer distances than her recent 1400m first-up effort but stands to gain from the extension.
"You can expect a more forward run getting up to that trip. She is second-up with a trial in between," McEvoy said.
"She was second in the Caulfield Cup last prep, so she is one to keep an eye on with improvement to come."
Though without a booking in Saturday's highlight, the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m), McEvoy anticipates roles in key events like the Golden Slipper (1200m) and The Galaxy (1100m) next Saturday.
"I've been confirmed for (2025 Golden Slipper winner) Marhoona in The Galaxy, which is a nice pick up for me," he said.
"I'm hoping to get on one of Chris Waller's in the Doncaster Mile, and I'm also riding one of his in the Slipper, Hidrix.
"I'm looking forward to getting a nice win in the coming weeks."
Check out leading online bookmakers for betting markets for the race in the Coolmore Classic.
More Racing News
Wide draw won't derail Different Gravy's Queensland Derby plans
Trainer Henry Dwyer refuses to alter course despite Different Gravy landing barrier 16, committing the horse to action at Caulfield.The draw for Different Gravy in Saturday's VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m) is gate 16, potentially moving to 15 should backup runner Merimbula scratch."He needs to start somewhere and that's been his...
Victorian pair Globe and La Fracas target Rosehill wet tracks
The usual rainy autumn weather in Sydney has led Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr to transport two horses from their stable up north, seeking conditions softened by precipitation during the carnival.Both Globe and La Fracas will begin their preparations at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, Globe in the...
Lagunanini looks to emulate McGaw in Caulfield feature
Trained by the team of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, Lagunanini targets a special accomplishment in her appearance at Caulfield.The filly will try to echo her older brother McGaw's success by claiming the $1 million The Showdown (1200m) scheduled for Saturday.Both McGaw and Lagunanini arrived at The Showdown with maiden...
Final Rosehill push for juveniles targeting Golden Slipper fields
Numerous young horses are eyeing the concluding berths in the Golden Slipper through performances in the Magic Night and Pago Pago Stakes, prominently featuring favourite Warwoven.Positioned 18th on the entry roster, the colt could benefit as two rivals may opt out late, while Saturday's dual lead-up winners gain automatic inclusion,...
Mathrick's Corniche eyes VOBIS Gold Sprint at Caulfield
Shawn Mathrick, trainer from Cranbourne, has a history of triumphing with Godolphin rejects.Corniche, the latest recruit to Mathrick's team, will contest his second race for the handler in Saturday's VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) held at Caulfield.The gelding completed 14 starts for Godolphin, notching two successes with James Cummings and Ciaron...
Portelli relies on Williams to deliver for Verona Rose at Rosehill
Gary Portelli anticipates a similar stroke of fortune as Craig Williams teams up with Verona Rose for the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill, where the mare aims to secure her maiden Group One victory.The jockey orchestrated the delayed breakthrough for Portelli's previous champion Kimochi, who recorded placings in three premier events...
Black-type riches await The Next Episode post handicap success
The $2.8 million yearling The Next Episode, sent out as the $2.60 favourite, faced momentary traffic in the straight prior to muscling clear and storming to victory in Wednesday's Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1000m), prevailing by a length against Under Focus ($11).The juvenile was returning for his debut run after...
Adrian Bott eyes Sky High Stakes history repeat with Vauban
Vauban seeks to launch the autumn carnival in mirror image to his previous start – securing the Sky High Stakes at Rosehill.Co-trainer Adrian Bott explained the decision to replicate the strategy from a year prior, at minimum for his initial two starts."It's the race he won twelve months ago, so...
Brownes eye another victory in The Showdown
Emma-Lee and David Brown's training operation notched its top achievement with Mcgaw's win in The Showdown at Caulfield, and they seek to match it exactly a year later.Last year, McGaw lifted the $1 million Showdown, marking the Brownes' best Australian result then, before the three-year-old added the Group 2 Danehill...
Peter Young Stakes suits Chris Waller's Birdman and Buckaroo
Chris Waller's Birdman, now in his third Australian preparation, might finally reveal the promise that prompted his owners to secure him as a juvenile in Ireland.A victor in his opening pair of long-distance races, the gelding was snapped up by owners such as Ozzie Kheir and John O'Neill with Melbourne...