Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy is set to miss the chance at big race success in New Zealand through suspension but he will be back in time to partner star colts Sepoy and Helmet.
McEvoy was suspended for eight meetings at Wyong’s Australian Turf Club fixture on Wednesday and is due to start his suspension after riding at Caulfield on Australia Day.
He was due to partner Mai Guru in Sunday week’s $1 million Karaka Million (1200m) at Ellerslie in New Zealand and on Wednesday night was still contemplating whether to appeal his suspension.
McEvoy is free to return to the saddle on February 10 with Helmet due to resume in the CS Hayes Stakes in Melbourne on February 18 and Sepoy in the Oakleigh Plate on February 25.
Both colts are being prepared by trainer Peter Snowden to race on Dubai World Cup night at Meydan on March 31.
“It’s just disappointing to be out on the sidelines through suspension,” McEvoy said.
Darley’s number one jockey was found guilty of shifting in rounding the first turn aboard Tramp in the Steve Hart Photographics Maiden Plate (1600m) which resulted in Kathy O’Hara’s mount Silamani being severely checked.
That race was won by the Joe Pride-trained Oceanica and despite his opinion of the winner, Pride will resist the temptation to continue racing the filly into the autumn.
Oceanica, a daughter of Dash For Cash, notched her first win at just her fourth start and Pride said she had plenty to offer in the future.
“I think she’ll probably head to the paddock now,” Pride said.
“She’s got a fair bit of developing to do still and I think it’s all upside for her. I don’t want to drain her out now.”
Oceanica had to make a sustained run, taking off before the home turn.
In the straight she knuckled down to the task to defeat Pesaro by half a length with the same margin to Kassa in third.
“That was really impressive. She came here with a bit of a different attitude today and had me worried because she was sweating up a bit,” Pride said.
“I hate seeing a change in attitude in fillies but she overcome that, she was brave, she sustained a long run and I think she’s got a bright future.”
Oceanica was ridden by Peter Robl who has the plum ride on favourite Diamond Earth in Saturday’s $250,000 Inglis Classic (1200m) at Rosehill.
AAP TURF
