Damien Oliver will ride in the Hobart Cup after all, picking up the prized mount on the Chris Waller-trained Quick Strike as Craig Williams’ replacement.
Oliver lost his original ride when Peter Moody was forced to scratch Metaphorical because of an infection.
Williams asked to be released from the Hobart meeting on Monday so he could start a careless riding ban immediately ahead of an appeal against the severity of the sentence.
If he can get a penalty reduction, Williams will be able to ride on Saturday at Caulfield where his bookings include Rising Romance in the Group One C F Orr Stakes.
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Chris Waller and Luke Oliver stables as well as the owners and also the Tasmanian stewards for releasing me from my engagements on Hobart Cup Day,” Williams said in a statement.
Williams said indications were his appeal would be heard on Monday or Tuesday.
Quick Strike is the second favourite with most bookmakers behind the Richard Laming-trained Wales.
