Robert Smerdon will take the opportunity to gallop classy sprinter Shamal Wind at Moonee Valley on Tuesday ahead of her return in the Listed Carlyon Stakes.
“She’s going there in the morning for a gallop. Craig Williams will ride her in the gallop and he will ride her on Saturday,” Smerdon said.
Shamal Wind narrowly won her only start at Moonee Valley in a 955m race as a three-year-old.
Williams has never ridden Shamal Wind who has had 17 starts for six wins including two Listed victories and four Group placings.
The five-year-old is unbeaten in four first-up attempts and Smerdon said he has been really pleased with the mare in the lead-up to her return.
Williams made his return to Melbourne racing at Caulfield on Saturday after overseas stints in Japan and Europe during the Australian winter.
The star jockey took little time to get back into the winner’s circle in Melbourne with victory in Saturday’s Listed Regal Roller Stakes on Hard Stride.