Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy returns from suspension later this week and will be out to boost Darley’s Blue Diamond Stakes assault in the two Preludes at Caulfield on Saturday.
McEvoy has been suspended since after the Australia Day meeting at Caulfield and will be back in the saddle at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
He’ll then partner impressive debut winner Applegate in the fillies Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) and also Rusambo in the colts and geldings division.
McEvoy has also picked up the ride on the Bart Cummings-trained import Illo in Saturday’s Group One CF Orr Stakes (1400m) against champion Black Caviar.
The Peter Snowden-trained Applegate hasn’t started since scoring an impressive Melbourne Cup day win in the Listed Emirates Plate (1000m) on November 1.
Rusambo raced twice in Sydney early in the season, finishing third in the Listed Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick on debut and then second to Amorino over the same course and distance two weeks later on October 15.
McEvoy said they were nice rides to come back to after his careless riding suspension.
“I’ve been keeping busy riding trackwork and trials so my fitness is good,” McEvoy said.
“I’m looking forward to getting back later in the week.”
Before the Moonee Valley Friday night meeting, McEvoy is due to put star colt Sepoy through his paces at Flemington in a jumpout.
Applegate is on the second line of TAB Sportsbet betting for the Blue Diamond Stakes on February 25 at $8 behind the fillies Blue Diamond Preview winner Malasun at $6.
No Looking Back, Jimando and Saturday’s impressive Caulfield winner Mama’s Choice are also at $8, while Rusambo is at $18.
Malasun and Applegate are both among the 16 nominations for Saturday’s fillies Prelude while the colts and geldings Prelude has 15 nominations.
AAP TURF
