Damien Oliver will trial Blue Diamond favorite Earthquake on Thursday after Kerrin McEvoy injured a knee in a fall in yesterday’s Karaka Millions at Ellerslie on Sunday.
McEvoy visited a doctor yesterday, have scans today, but has already ruled himself out of riding this week.
Paul Snowden, who runs the Darley Melbourne operation for his father Peter, said Oliver would ride Earthquake in her trial at Cranbourne on Thursday.
Snowden said if McEvoy’s injury is worse than first thought and he’s unavilable to ride Earthquake in the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield on Saturday week then Oliver will be given first refusal to ride the filly in the Group 3 race.
He said McEvoy spoke with his father on Monday to convey the news.
“Kerrin told Dad that he is not riding all this week and will have scans on his knee to find out what is going on,” Snowden said.
“It seems that he may have a torn cartilage or something. (Damien) Oliver will trial Earthquake on Thursday and then we will see if Kerrin can fulfill engagement in the Prelude.
“If not Damien will have first choice to ride Earthquake if he wishes.”
Earthquake, a winner of her only start at Randwick on November 9, is favorite in some Blue Diamond markets and second favorite in others.
– Racing Network
