Everest winner Classique Legend is enjoying retirement on Kerrin Mcevoy’s farm, but the top jockey might have found a stablemate who can provide him with a few racetrack thrills.
Like Classique Legend, Celestial Legend is prepared by Les Bridge, owned by Legend Racing’s Bon Ho and races in his white and red colours.
Although he has a long way to go to reach the heights of his former stablemate, the three-year-old is showing above-average ability, producing a sharp turn of foot to break his maiden at Rosehill in May.
He resumes in Saturday’s Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill where McEvoy takes his first race ride on the son of Dundeel.
“I didn’t actually have a lot to do with him last prep, but he’s been pleasing us this time through,” McEvoy said.
“He’s by no means fully wound up and I think 1100 on quick ground is going to be on the sharp side for him, but he’s a quality colt that’s just going to improve and improve.
“Les (Bridge) is of the opinion, and I agree with him, that he’s going to be even better and more furnished in the autumn. He’s a lovely little horse.”
Celestial Legend faces a strong field headed by unbeaten colt Ozzmosis and Tulloch Lodge three-year-old Royal Tribute, who has a spring run on the board courtesy of a brilliant first-up win at Hawkesbury.
McEvoy believes his charge will continue to get better with distance and racing but has the raw talent to be competitive first-up.
“He’s showing speed at home, but he rode in that trial the other day like he’s going to enjoy 13, 1400 (metres), maybe even further,” McEvoy said.
“There’s some winning form there and nice form, but I’m sure he can make his presence felt and there’s improvement to come.”
