McEvoy sweet on Adagio

In-form rider Kerrin McEvoy seemingly has few peers at present and is looking forward to what could be a career-defining 48 hours at Newmarket this weekend.

The popular Australian is set to renew his partnership with Sir Michael Stoute’s Adagio in the Stan James 2000 Guineas on Saturday, while Nell Gwyn heroine Scarlet Runner will be his mount in the fillies’ equivalent on Sunday.

The Derrick Smith-owned Adagio was not beaten far in the Dewhurst behind hot Guineas favourite Teofilo last season and created quite an impression on his reappearance in the Craven Stakes back at Newmarket in April.

Denied a clear passage, the strapping son of Grand Lodge picked up in the style of a very good horse when a narrow gap opened and is consequently trading as the general second-favourite to gain his revenge on Teofilo.

McEvoy told At The Races: “I haven’t sat on the horse since the Craven, but hopefully we have a good chance there.

“I would have liked to have got out and made my run, whereas I got held up on the rail and when the gap opened on the inside I had to rush him a bit, especially going down the Dip, and it might not have suited him.

“He could have won a lot further with something to help him along and with something to chase.

“I also ride Scarlet Runner in the fillies’ race – I’ve got some good rides and I’m looking forward to the weekend.”