Kerrin Mcevoy is hoping to team with another Sydney-trained galloper as he chases a second win in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.
Minhaaj runs in the Group 1 1100m sprint on Saturday looking to keep her unbeaten run intact for Randwick trainer John O’Shea.
McEvoy gets aboard Minhaaj for the first time as he looks to emulate his win aboard the Gerald Ryan-trained Mrs Onassis in the Oakleigh Plate in 2013.
Minhaaj was prepared by Lindsay Park, and won three of her nine starts, before being sold by Shadwell Australasia and being picked up by Rosemont Stud.
Successful at her first start for O’Shea at Randwick in Group 3 company last October, Minhaaj was then victorious up the straight at Flemington on the opening day of Melbourne Cup week.
James McDonald had the ride on the mare in those two starts, but McEvoy has been aboard Minhaaj in her two trials this campaign in preparation for Saturday’s first-up shot.
Minhaaj has drawn barrier one and currently sits on the third line of betting with TAB at $8 behind Manabi ($2.80), aiming to extend her unbeaten winning sequence to seven, and the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Wild Ruler ($7.50).
“She looks a nice chance in the race for me,” McEvoy said.
“John spoke to me early in the year about her and she has come back in great order.
“She went to a new level last time and was pretty dynamic winning on Derby Day.
“Her first trial was excellent, her second trial just the same and she has got the right sort of profile to be competitive in this race.
“She’s got a nice, light weight on her back and she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with for sure.”
