Fresh from his win in the richest turf race in the world, man-of-the-moment Kerrin McEvoy will be out to continue his golden run in the $3 million Caulfield Cup.
McEvoy rode Redzel to win last Saturday’s inaugural $10 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick.
Since then he has won the $300,000 Cranbourne Cup aboard Folkswood on Sunday and the $350,000 Blue Sapphire Stakes on Formality on Wednesday.
The star jockey chases his second Caulfield Cup win on Saturday when he rides multiple Group One-winning New Zealand mare Bonneval in the world’s richest 2400m handicap on turf.
Last Saturday was a day to remember for McEvoy.
“I couldn’t get to sleep on Monday night. I was still buzzing,” he said.
“That’s when it started to sink in even more.
“It was a great day there last weekend and I’ve had a few nice winners since.
“So it’s on to Caulfield now.
“I’m really happy with the last few weeks, the last 12 months really.
“It’s always an exciting time of the year and it’s great to be in Melbourne again with some high-quality rides.
“And I’m always looking forward now and trying to win the big race on the weekend.”
After days of speculation over her fitness because of what Racing Victoria vets determined was slight lameness in a foreleg, the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Bonneval was cleared on Thursday.
McEvoy has been aboard the four-year-old twice in trackwork this week and can’t fault her.
He is looking forward to riding the mare in a race for the first time.
“I said to Murray, and Murray agreed, that it’s always important to have one or two sits on them going into a big race,” McEvoy said.
“I’ve watched a fair bit of her and spoken to Hughie (Bowman) about her.”
Bowman won the Australian Oaks and Underwood Stakes on Bonneval but the mare’s 52.5kg is below his weight range and he will be on international visitor Marmelo.
Bonneval won the New Zealand and Australian Oaks over 2400m and shares the second line of betting at $8 with Humidor.
Johannes Vermeer is the $4.20 favourite.
“It’s a good even field and I’m pleased to be on this mare who has got a great record at a mile-and-a-half and she has won around Caulfield,” McEvoy said.
Credit: AAP