By John Schell
Jockey Darryl McLellan will resume his association with talented performer Sir Ravenelli at Grafton on Tuesday when the gelding lines up in the Jacaranda Prelude (1120m) for trainer Terry Evans.
McLellan combined with Sir Ravanelli for the first time in January this year, scoring a victory at Port Macquarie. The pair backed that up with a win in the Mid North Coast Country Championship at Tuncurry, with that success earning a start in the $500,000 Newhaven Park Country Championships at Randwick.
“It was a thrill to get him into the Country Championships,” said McLellan. “His wins at Port Macquarie and Tuncurry were both very good, but come the race at Randwick things just didn’t go his way on the day.”
Jockey Darryl McLellan is excited to be back on Sir Ravanelli at GraftonCredit: Brock Perks
Sir Ravanelli finished 12th in the Randwick feature and was immediately spelled. He scored in a Tuncurry trial with Jeff Kehoe in the saddle before resuming under the guidance of Tommy Berry at Warwick Farm with a solid midfield effort.
“It was a good run at Warwick Farm and I’m happy to get the chance to be back on him at Grafton,” McLellan said.
“He’s won two from two when second-up from a spell and Terry [Evans] has him ticking over nicely.
“He’s drawn the inside gate, so everything is pointing towards a forward showing.”
McLellan will also partner The Young Years for Evans when it contests the Book A Christmas Party Marquee Maiden Plate (1425m).
“She’s a lightly raced mare that has only had three starts,” said McLellan. “It’s my first ride on her, but she finished second in her first two runs and then wasn’t beaten far at Taree a couple of weeks ago.”
McLellan has a couple of other rides on the Grafton card, both for trainer George Woodward.
He will ride Star Stock in the Vilified Now At Stud Benchmark 58 Handicap (2235m), as well as Soybean in the Graftontickets.com.au Maiden Handicap (1725m).
“They are both rough chances but are in a good stable,” said McLellan. “Star Stock has drawn well and should get a good run, while Soybean needs to lift a little on her form.”
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