Kerrin McEvoy advances his injury recovery with seven scheduled rides at Rosehill Gardens and upcoming Group 1 engagements on the horizon.
The Melbourne Cup three-time hero broke his foot in a barrier trial on January 15, forcing a six-week layoff; he returned last Saturday for one ride and added four more at Warwick Farm midweek.
Four rides feature at Kembla Grange Classic on Friday, priming him for Saturday’s Coolmore Classic card, and he confirms peak condition.
“The foot feels good and it’s nice to be back and have a few rides on Saturday,” McEvoy said.
“I’ve had a few trials as well, and I’ve been able to get enough loading in the gym and on the bike. I have been swimming a lot, but there is nothing like race fitness.”
Highlighting McEvoy’s Rosehill rides is Signor Tortoni under Ron Quinton in the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m), with the four-year-old advancing to Group ranks on the back of two recent victories in lower grade, most recently Saturday locally at 1100m.
“Ron said he’s been in good order since, and he looks a good chance for me,” McEvoy said.
“Ron has been patient. He’s let him race into this type of company and to get there, he has been winning along the way.
“It’s nice to see him in good form and I’m looking forward to riding him.”
For the Sky High Stakes (2000m), McEvoy rides River Of Stars, beaten favourite in the Caulfield Cup, who excels further than 1400m but gains from this second-up distance increase.
“You can expect a more forward run getting up to that trip. She is second-up with a trial in between,” McEvoy said.
“She was second in the Caulfield Cup last prep, so she is one to keep an eye on with improvement to come.”
He misses a ride in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) feature but lines up for majors like Golden Slipper (1200m) and The Galaxy (1100m) soon.
“I’ve been confirmed for (2025 Golden Slipper winner) Marhoona in The Galaxy, which is a nice pick up for me,” he said.
“I’m hoping to get on one of Chris Waller’s in the Doncaster Mile, and I’m also riding one of his in the Slipper, Hidrix.
“I’m looking forward to getting a nice win in the coming weeks.”
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