Sabaj reunited with Beau Mertens ahead of Australian Cup

Shifts in jockey availability due to bans and cross-state duties mean Beau Mertens is back in the saddle on Sabaj for the Australian Cup.

Trainer Mick Price first informed Mertens disappointingly that Mark Zahra would handle Sabaj in the Group 1 showdown at Flemington on Saturday.

That arrangement changed rapidly after Zahra's suspension for careless riding at Wednesday's Caulfield Heath races, plus a further penalty on Saturday for whip overuse, excluding him from the ride.

"If only I had waited, I would have been a good bloke, instead I've covered myself in shame," Price said.

"I had to put my arm around Beau again as there are riders going left, right and centre."

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Sabaj approaches the Australian Cup following a fourth in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington March 7.

Tom Kitten and Pride Of Jenni, both Australian Cup opponents, beat him that day, while Birdman boasts a recent success in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) from Caulfield on March 14.

The stable was interested in trialling Sabaj over 2000m, according to Price.

"He's a big clean-winded horse and we've been working him for 2000 metres," Price said.

"I think he'll show up, but he's got to be good enough on the day. He's a nice, sound horse, and he seems to go on all types of ground.

"If Jenni turns up, she will be unbeatable and Birdman, he's coming through the 1800-metre race.

"It's a competitive race, he likes Flemington. It will be a small field, he's a relaxed horse, so he should travel good."

A small hiccup hit Sabaj before the All-Star Mile, leading to a revised racing program for the horse.

They had eyed the Blamey Stakes (1600m) en route to the Peter Young Stakes originally, but ditched those ideas.

"My question on the horse starting in the Australian Cup is he has to be good enough on the day to win a 2000-metre weight-for-age race," Price said.

"I do think it's a better alternative than the Doncaster Mile and it's right there for us, so let's give it a shot."

Post-Saturday, Price hinted at possible northern trips for Sabaj, either late in the Sydney Carnival or during Queensland's Winter Carnival.

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