McEvoy Snaps Up Maskiell to Ride Saturday Fever
- Wednesday, 12 February 2003 00:00
Tasmania's premier jockey Stephen Maskiell has been booked to ride the highly promising Tony McEvoy-trained Saturday Fever in the Group 3 $200,000 AAMI Launceston Cup (2400m) at Mowbray on February 26.
Maskiell, who rode St. Andrews to victory in last years AAMI Hobart and Launceston Cups, was without a ride in the regions premier race.
Maskiell watched last Mondays AAMI Hobart Cup from the comfort of the jockeys room but McEvoy has given the ace hoop the chance to win his fourth AAMI Launceston Cup.
Saturday Fever is a promising four-year-old on the way up with two wins and a last-start second over 2400m at Sandown from his past three outings and McEvoy was very keen to send the gelding to Tasmania.
This will give McEvoy a two-pronged attack on the AAMI Launceston Cup as his AAMI Hobart Cup winner Jeunes Mark has pulled up a treat after blitzing his rivals last Monday and will attempt the Cups double.
McEvoy confirmed today that Maskiell would ride Saturday Fever.
"I have been keen to run Saturday Fever in the AAMI Launceston Cup for some time and the connections also are keen, so he will head to Tasmania next week, most likely by sea, as was the case with Jeunes Mark," McEvoy said.
"When I heard that Stephen Maskiell was without a ride in the race I was keen to secure him for Saturday Fever because he (Maskiell) has a great record in the race and is one of the states best riders," the trainer said.
Maskiell was thrilled to have secured the ride.
"It was tough watching the AAMI Hobart Cup from the sidelines on Monday, so I am more determined than ever to make the most of this opportunity," Maskiell said.
"Tony McEvoy is an excellent trainer and I am delighted that he has the confidence in me to ride his horse," he said.
Maskiell will create a modern day record if he is successful aboard Saturday Fever as no jockey, post war, has ridden more than six AAMI Hobart and or AAMI Launceston Cups.
Maskiell has ridden three of each: AAMI Hobart Cups - Nakagima (1989), Russian Rogue (1992) and St. Andrews (2002); AAMI Launceston Cups - Bitter Spring (1991) and St. Andrews (2000 and 2002).
McEvoy also confirmed Stephen Baster will retain the ride on Jeunes Mark for the AAMI Launceston Cup.
PIC - Saturday Fever wins at Victoria Park two starts back.
(Jenny Barnes).
Media Release - AAMI Launceston Cup