Racing: McEvoy stays on Stride for Cup ride

Kerrin McEvoy is to take the ride aboard Imperial Stride in the Melbourne Cup. The five-year-old made a winning reappearance in a Listed race at Goodwood on his first start for Godolphin last month, when McEvoy took the ride. The decision to keep that partnership intact means Frankie Dettori is able to ride Jamie Osborne's Geordieland in the Flemington race on 7 November.

Explaining the riding arrange-ments, Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, said: "We talked about it with Frankie and on balance felt it was right for Kerrin to be riding for us in Australia, and Frankie completely understood.

"Kerrin has been working for us for several years. He's an Australian with local knowledge and is going to be in Melbourne through the Spring Carnival."

Australian racing authorities will not make a decision on whether Kieren Fallon will be allowed to ride Yeats in the Cup until later this month. The board of Racing Victoria Ltd met on Thursday and dispatched an official application to Fallon, who has never ridden in the country.

Fallon, banned from riding in Britain while he faces trial on charges of conspiracy to defraud, must apply by 17 October.

If Fallon is unable to ride Aidan O'Brien's high-class stayer, who is now in quarantine at Ballydoyle, Michael Kinane is likely to deputise.

BETS OF THE DAY

Best shortshot
Course and distance winner Maker's Mark (Bath, 3.00) has been headstrong but should get the strong pace that will suit him.

Best longshot
Rubenstar (Bath, 5.00) has not been disgraced in better company and has an excellent apprentice on board today.