Ben Melham will ride Lights Of Heaven in the Group One Underwood Stakes after premier jockey Luke Nolen lost his appeal against a 10-meeting suspension.
Nolen was suspended for careless riding on Kulgrinda who was unplaced in Saturday’s Group Three McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley.
On Monday he unsuccessfully appealed the decision and severity of the penalty which ends at midnight on September 20.
Lights Of Heaven, who has won four of her six starts, including the Group One Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide, is one of the favourites with TAB Sportsbet for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups at $13 and $18 respectively.
Melham rode Lights Of Heaven first-up when she finished second to Whobegotyou in last month’s Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield when Nolen was also suspended.
Nolen steered her into fifth place last start in the Group Two Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 3.
Lights Of Heaven is one of 23 nominations for the 1800m Underwood Stakes on Saturday.
AAP TURF
