Michael Dee will make a rare journey to Perth this weekend as he seeks to add another Group 1 triumph to his résumé.

The Victorian-based jockey takes the ride on Lindsay Park runner Apulia in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, returning to the track for the first time since late 2018.

Dee has a strong affinity with Apulia, having partnered the entire in three of his four wins from 16 starts.

He was aboard for the horse’s maiden victory at Cranbourne in August 2023, and the pair are two-from-two this preparation with a Moonee Valley first-up success followed by a Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) win during Melbourne Cup week.

Last year’s Northerly champion Light Infantry Man also won the Chester Manifold but couldn’t place in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) between victories.

Dee believes Apulia is thriving this campaign but acknowledges barrier 14 complicates matters.

“He’s come back well and is going well, but he’s drawn a bit average,” Dee said.

“He naturally gets back, but it’s going to be a bit tricky.

“Last start we were able to have a nice run from barrier one and we were able to get off the fence and come around them, so hopefully they roll along and the 1800 metres is going to suit him.

“In his runs, he relaxes beautifully, comes back underneath you, and he’s got a good turn of foot when asked.

“He was going well in his three-year-old year, and I think he’s definitely come back to that and possibly a bit more.

“I did early work on him and then I lost the ride, I think through suspension, and lost him until this campaign.”

Apulia has since had a tune-up trial at Belmont, finishing second on November 24.

“He looked to trial there really well,” Dee said.

“I haven’t spoken to the boys about him since looking at his trial, so fingers crossed he’s ready to run well on Saturday.”

Those planning to wager on the Northerly Stakes can compare odds at top Australian betting sites.