Racing
Tortoni shaping as a sweet treat for McEvoy
Having missed most of the year through injury, Kerrin McEvoy is keen to make an immediate carnival impact.
Kerrin Mcevoy will ramp up his comeback from a foot injury with a solid book of seven rides at Rosehill and the promise of Group 1 opportunities in the weeks to come.
The three-time Melbourne Cup winner was sidelined for six weeks after breaking his foot in a barrier trial mishap on January 15, returning to the saddle for one ride last Saturday before stepping things up with four mounts at Warwick Farm midweek.
He has another quartet of engagements at the Kembla Grange Classic meeting on Friday ahead of Saturday's Coolmore Classic card, and says he is feeling fit and focused.
"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."
McEvoy's Rosehill book includes Signor Tortoni for Ron Quinton in the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m), the four-year-old earning a step up to Group racing with victories at his past two starts in easier grade, his latest over Saturday's course and distance.
"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."
McEvoy also partners Caulfield Cup runner-up River Of Stars in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and while her best form is over 2400m and further, she will appreciate a distance rise from the 1400m she tackled first-up.
"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."
While McEvoy doesn't have a ride in the afternoon's centrepiece, the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m), he will be featuring in several upcoming majors, including the Golden Slipper (1200m) and The Galaxy (1100m) on Saturday week.
"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, 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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