SCONE trainer Greg Bennett is banking on the magic of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy to get Clearly Innocent over the line in the Group Three L’Oreal Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Thursday.
McEvoy was booked soon after the horse’s regular rider, Tommy Berry, was suspended last Saturday.
“How lucky were we?” Bennett said.
“No doubt Kerrin’s confidence will be sky high.”
Clearly Innocent has drawn barrier 13 but Bennett does not see that as an issue.
“I want Kerrin to let him settle mid field and find his feet and the pattern from Tuesday suggests that the middle of the track is the place to be.
“The rail is out three metres so that will make the task easier.
“Getting out to 1400 metres suits the horse down to the ground.”
Bennett said Clearly Innocent’s work has been good.
“Tommy rode him at Caulfield last Saturday morning and said he felt great,” he said.
“If he wins or runs in the first three we may leave him down there for a race over 1500 metres at Sandown.”
