Darryl McLellan will ride Bright Rubick in the Spring Stakes at Newcastle next Saturday despite a suspension from his runner-up effort on Never Listen in the VRC Oaks on Thursday at Flemington.
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McLellan, 48, was back on the group 1 stage for the first time in a decade and produced a smart ride on the Scone filly, which was $41 in the $1 million race.
The John Ramsey-trained Never Listen came from the rear of the field to finish three lengths behind Miami Bound. McLellan, though, was outed for six meetings and fined $2500 for breaching the whip rule.
However, the suspension will start after McLellan rides the Ramsey-trained Bright Rubick on November 16 at Newcastle's standalone meeting featuring the inaugural $1 million The Hunter.
"She's won her last three at Muswellbrook since John's had her and she's broken two class record and a track record," McLellan said.
"It's a big step in class but she's a progressive filly."
McLellan was also excited about more group 1 chances with Never Listen.
"They are going to give her a rest now and come back for the Queensland Oaks, which I think she'll be hard to beat in," he said.
** Racing NSW chief Peter V'landys will be guest speaker at the charity luncheon for The Hunter on Friday at McDonald Jones Stadium's Broadmeadow Room.
Trainers and jockeys, as well as auctions, live music and a calcutta, will also be part of the function which raises funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Tickets are $160 and are available at www.rescuehelicopter/events.
