McEvoy out to repay the faith aboard Waller’s stars in group 1 tests

Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy says criticism early this year of his rides on Chris Waller-trained stars only steeled him for future opportunities, and he hopes to repay the faith of the premier Sydney trainer on Saturday at Randwick on two group 1 chances from tricky draws.

McEvoy has the task of guiding unbeaten Epsom Handicap favourite Autumn Glow from the outside barrier of 14, as well as Birdman from 17 in the Metropolitan.

Kerrin McEvoy after winning on Autumn Glow in the Theo Marks Stakes on September 13 at the mare’s last start.Credit: Getty Images

The 84-time group 1-winning jockey took both to last-start wins, and with James McDonald riding Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, he has kept the prized sit on Autumn Glow.

The four-year-old, unbeaten in six career starts, has been a clear favourite for the $1.5 million Epsom (1600m) since Waller made it a first group 1 target for the daughter of The Autumn Sun.

The poor draw on Tuesday has been the only negative for the brilliant mare in the lead up, but McEvoy said her talents give him options.

“I think she’s got tactical speed and that gives you options as to where you can possie up [position the horse],” McEvoy said. “She’s going to a mile first time, so I need to keep that in mind, but she’s a deserved favourite and I feel like it’s a nice year for her.

Autumn Glow cruises to victory in the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill.Credit: Getty Images

“I’ll be chatting with the team there [about tactics]; have a good look through the race. There’s a few horses that can take a front spot and, like I said, she has options.

“She’s got a good turn of foot so that helps her overcome difficulties in any race as well as a group 1 Epsom.

“I’ve got respect for Pericles and I’ve got respect for Ceolwulf. He’s been running against our best, so it’s no easy assignment. She’s [Autumn Glow] going to have to bring her A game, but hopefully we can tick all the boxes, and it’s a case of getting the first half right, and then that takes care of the second half of the race.”

On the draw, Waller said, “The negatives stopped there though” for Autumn Glow, and he was backing McEvoy to make the right moves.

Autumn Glow will have to beat experienced runners such as Ceolwulf.Credit: Getty Images

“She’s a star. Yeah, she’s got to do it against the older horses carrying a bit of weight, but we’ve got full confidence in her and with Kerrin, and I won’t be getting too tied up with instructions,” Waller said.

“Kerrin can ride it by feel, and you need a bit of luck, but she’s good.

“If she gets back in the field, she’s got a great turn of foot – we’ve seen that she’s got speed over 1100, 1200, 1400. And yet at home she can be ridden quiet. She’s a kid’s pony at home, so she’s pretty good.

“We’re still learning about her. She’s still very much a young horse, so Saturday’s a big test.”

Via Sistina and Kerrin McEvoy charge home in the 2024 Winx Stakes, the jockey’s last group 1 win.Credit: Getty Images

Autumn Glow gives McEvoy a great opportunity to land his first group 1 since the 2024 Winx Stakes on Via Sistina about 13 months ago. In February this year, the 44-year-old attracted criticism for his rides on the Waller-trained Joliestar and Via Sistina. Waller said at the time McEvoy had a “bad day”, but the trainer has continued to back the experienced hand.

“I had a rough couple of weeks there during the autumn, but it just helps steel you for future assignments,” McEvoy said.

“It’s all about taking the opportunities when they come and Chris has been a great supporter of me over a number of years, so hopefully I can repay the faith he’s shown in me.

“I still feel the buzz and the pressure of these big days. It’s enjoyable. It’s springtime, so it’s a lovely opportunity to go there and try to nick a couple of features on a big day, so I’m really looking forward to that.

“You still get nervous, but you’ve got to back yourself in and stick to the protocols that have helped all the way along, and it will be no different on Saturday.”

Autumn Glow had eased in betting to $2.20 (Sportsbet) on Thursday but remained a clear favourite. It was a different story in the 18-strong Metropolitan (2400m), where Birdman ($6) and stablemate Soul Of Spain ($5.50) were atop an open market.

Birdman held off Adelaide River last start in the Kingston Town Stakes after a forward, rails run from gate one, but McEvoy was anticipating a change of plans from the wide draw.

“He can be ridden a bit quieter as well, just to offset that draw,” he said. “[Waller assistant] Charlie Duckworth said he was effective ridden a bit quieter in his runs overseas. We’ll have a look at those, but he’s a chance in an open Metro.”

McEvoy also rides Enviable ($23) in the group 1 Flight Stakes and Officiate in the listed Dulcify Stakes for Waller.

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Another key ride will be on the Brad Widdup-trained Jedibeel, which will have a final chance to show his Everest credentials for owners and slot-holders Mulberry Racing in the $1 million Premiere Stakes (1200m). He was five lengths off winner Joliestar first up in the Shorts (1100m).

“He will be better for the first-up run, so I think he can show an improved effort on Saturday and then Brad will have a clearer picture as to where he goes after that,” McEvoy said.

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