Racing will welcome back one of its best on Saturday when Jim Cassidy returns to the saddle for the first time in almost three months.
The grand slam winning Hall Of Fame jockey has been off the scene since late June due to a mix of seen and unforeseen events.
Cassidy generally has a winter break to recharge his batteries for the spring but his return was delayed when his brother Colin was seriously injured in a car accident.
“Unfortunately it was a little bit longer this time because I had a bit of a family mishap,” Cassidy said.
“We’re not over it but it’s time to get back to work.
“He’s on the mend. He’s very lucky.”
Cassidy will have five rides at Warwick Farm, three of them for Patinack Farm trainer John Thompson including Maules Creek in the feature Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).
While his match practice might be lacking, his mind is fresh and he has built a solid fitness base riding work, which has also kept his weight in check.
“I’ve been looking after it and I’ve been back riding work for the last month,” Cassidy said.
“It’s just a matter of getting my eye in and getting going again.”
Cassidy will link with the Gary Portelli-trained Single Style in the Group Two Furious Stakes (1400m), a filly he rode at her debut in March.
The pair finished third but Single Style showed her ability two starts later when she claimed the Listed Keith Mackay Quality during the Easter carnival.
She tackles the Furious second-up having finished seventh in the Silver Shadow Stakes after a tough run on the speed.
The race was won by boom filly Nechita but in her absence on Saturday, Cassidy believes the second leg of the Princess Series is wide open.
“With her out of the way it opens things up. The race is there to be won,” Cassidy said.
“Gary (Portelli) was saying Single Style had done well since her first-up run so hopefully we can turn it around for him.”
Cassidy will partner Satin Shoes in the Group Three Concorde Stakes (1100m), his first race ride on the Group One placegetter.
However, he has been aboard her in two recent barrier trials and has come away impressed.
“She feels great. She was ready to go the other week and had a setback but she trialled nice the other day,” he said.
“I expect her to run well on her home track and on firm footing.”
Cassidy’s remaining mounts are Trophies in the Listed Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) and Tagus in the Group Three Tramway Handicap (1400m).
