Mark ZahraĀ hasĀ had his first sit aboard Charm StoneĀ ahead of the filly’s return at Sandown.
Entered for the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) on Saturday, Charm Stone is likely to be saved for the Group 2Ā fillies division of the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Sandown on Saturday week.
Zahra will be the third jockey to partner Charm Stone in her three-start career with Jamie KahĀ aboard when a debut third at Flemington on October 1 before Damian LaneĀ took over when the filly was successful in the Group 3 Ottawa StakesĀ (1000m) on November 3.
With Lane heading toĀ theĀ Saudia ArabiaĀ Cup meetingĀ on Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes Day, February 25, connections were in search for another jockey.
Zahra, who won last year’s Blue Diamond Stakes aboard Godolphin galloper Daumier for Anthony and Sam Freedman,Ā took theĀ chanceĀ to partnerĀ the Mick Price andĀ Michael Kent Jnr-trainedĀ Charm StoneĀ at Sandown on Tuesday morning.
“That’s my that’s my first sit on herĀ and she was good,” Zahra said.
“I’m not sure whether she’s running this week, or they’re holding her back a week. They may even bring her back for another gallop here next Tuesday.
“It’s a beautiful surfaceĀ andĀ I was impressed with what I felt for sure.”
Fellow jockey Ben MelhamĀ also ventured to Sandown to partner Extremely WickedĀ for Mornington trainer Matt Laurie.
Extremely Wicked, a debut second to Croatian BelleĀ at Moonee Valley on New Year’s Eve, is also among entries for the Chairman’s Stakes.
“She went nicely although she was a little keen,” Melham said.
However, Melham is set to rideĀ ZulfigarĀ for Godolphin and James Cummings.
Not a regular rider for the Godolphin team, Melham did win the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot for Godolphin and Cummings aboardĀ PauleleĀ last month and has been riding a little more for the stable recently.
“I haven’t been on him yet, but I’ve watched his trials and heĀ lookĀ toĀ trialĀ quite nicely in blinkers,” Melham said.
“I hadn’t ridden for them a lot, but it has picked up since I won the Group 1 over in Perth for them.
“YouĀ mustĀ take these opportunities when they comeĀ as there’s so many good jockeys hereĀ now.”
