The Lee Freedman stable will have to find a new rider for promising two-year-old Spatha at Caulfield on Saturday after Ben Melham was suspended for careless riding.
Melham, who was booked for Spatha in the Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m), was outed for 11 meetings following his ride on Alarms in the Maiden Plate (1000m) at Bendigo on Tuesday.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and his manager Mathew Alesci said the jockey would not appeal the suspension.
Melham, who rode a treble at Flemington on Anzac Day, will resume race riding on May 8 which is Goodwood and South Australian Derby day at Morphettville.
Melham rode Spatha when he led throughout to score by 5-1/4 lengths over 1200m at Morphettville on April 16.
The Lonhro colt had run fourth on debut to Cash Bound at Moonee Valley on April 2.
Chris Symons has been engaged for stablemate Baptism, a Redoute’s Choice filly who finished fourth at her only start to Mosheen at Caulfield on March 19.
The Freedman stable won the Blue Sapphire last year with first starter Smokin’ Joey.
AAP TURF
