Jockey Kerrin McEvoy to steer Winning Proposal in the Rosebud at Rosehill on Saturday

Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy is adamant diminutive filly Winning Proposal is not out of place in The Rosebud at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

The Kristen Buchanan-trained Winning Proposal wins at Warwick Farm on June 26. Picture: Bradley Photos

Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy is adamant diminutive filly Winning Proposal is not out of place in the Listed $200,000 The Rosebud (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Winning Proposal has won twice (plus two placings) from five starts and although McEvoy hasn’t ridden the filly under race conditions, he was in the saddle when she won a recent Randwick barrier trial beating top mare Joliestar.

“She gave me a really nice feel in the trial and Kristen (Buchanan, trainer) is very happy with her,’’ McEvoy said.

“This is only a small field, obviously there is a bit of quality in the race, but she is a filly that is improving all the time.’’

1⃣ Winning Proposal
2⃣ Joliestar
3⃣ Red Card

All the way for @kbuchananracing youngster Winning Proposal in a 900m trial at Rosehill, Atishu and Hinged were behind the placings. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/5E4O9bcjiC

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 5, 2024

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McEvoy has a good book of eight rides at the Rosehill meeting including the promising grey mare I Am Famous who is aiming for a fourth consecutive win in the Kia Ora Prague Handicap (1400m).

The Chris Waller-trained I Am Famous, a four-year-old half-sister to Classique Legend who McEvoy rode to win the 2020 The Everest, followed wins at Warwick Farm and Hawkesbury with an impressive all-the-way effort over the Rosehill 1400m course two weeks ago.

“She has come along in leaps and bounds the last six months and has put together three good wins in a row,’’ McEvoy said.

“It seems she is getting the hang of the racing caper and this looks a nice race for her again.’’

I Am Famous claims victory in a heart-stopping finish! 🏇🏼💨 @[e-mail]/rR5wVsec9O

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 3, 2024

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McEvoy is also looking forward to riding Getafix for trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton in the Schweppes Handicap (1300m).

Getafix ran well under McEvoy when resuming with a closing fourth behind Mayfair at Rosehill last month and has since trialled well at Hawkesbury.

“I thought Getafix ran well first-up and he’s had that good trial since,’’ McEvoy said.

“He’s getting out to a distance that will suit him. It’s a small field but a good race and he is one to keep an eye on for sure.’’

What's next for Mayfair after breaking through at Rosehill? Adrian Bott joined @gavcarmody to discuss 👇@[e-mail]/SSxdGcJUEE

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 20, 2024

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McEvoy also provided an update on dual Group 1 winner Celestial Legend ahead of his barrier trial hitout on Randwick’s Kensington track on Monday.

The Les Bridge-trained Celestial Legend, winner of the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile last autumn, is due to contest a star-studded 850m trial against the likes of Giga Kick, Lady Laguna and Lady Of Camelot.

“I’m really looking forward to riding Celestial Legend on Monday,’’ McEvoy said. “Les has given him a good base of fitness and the horse continues to improve.

“There is some strong competition in his trial so it will be a good test for him.’’

Originally published as Jockey Kerrin McEvoy to steer Winning Proposal in the Rosebud at Rosehill on Saturday