Kerrin McEvoy’s Group One tally for 2011 could reach double figures if things go his way in Perth on Saturday.
McEvoy will make a rare visit to Ascot to partner New Zealand four-year-old He’s Remarkable in the Railway Stakes (1600m) and Rarefied in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
Both runners are well in contention for the Group One events as McEvoy looks to cap a fine 2011 at Australia’s penultimate Group One meeting for the calendar year.
McEvoy has won eight Group Ones this year with superstar three-year-olds Sepoy (four) and Helmet (three) the major contributors.
“It’s been a good year and it’s always exciting to go away to a place you haven’t ridden at a lot and go there with a couple of live chances,” McEvoy said.
“I’m looking forward to the trip and I’ll settle for another big race win, definitely. That would be nice.”
McEvoy partnered the Roger James-trained He’s Remarkable to an impressive win over 1600m in restricted company during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington and the son of Pentire drops from 59kg to 53kg on Saturday.
“He gave me a nice feel last start picking up under that big weight quickly to get out of an awkward spot to win the race,” McEvoy said.
“He looks a nice mile handicapper for the future and this might be his race come Saturday.”
Comeback sprinter Rarefied has overcome adversity to be in Group One contention after a tendon injury and then two quarter cracks on his hoof kept him off the scene for 18 months.
Runner-up performances in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1100m) and Group Two Salinger Stakes (1200m) has the Peter Snowden-trained gelding second favourite behind 2009 Winterbottom winner Ortensia.
“Obviously this race is weight-for-age and he’s got to give a bit of weight to Ortensia which is the big question,” McEvoy said.
“But Pete (Snowden) is happy with him and he’s travelled over well. She (Ortensia) is the one we’ve all got to beat, no doubt.
“It was a good run from Rarefied in the Salinger, he travelled nicely right behind the speed and had a dream run.
“He kept me interested all the way up the straight because he was coming and just got beat by Sister Madly.
“So that’s a nice form race.”
Sister Madly had finished second to Sepoy in the Group One Manikato Stakes and a close second to More Joyous in the Group Two Tristarc before winning the Salinger.
AAP TURF
