Jockey Michael Dee is set for one of his infrequent ventures to Perth as he aims to add another Group 1 victory to his record.

Dee will partner the Lindsay Park-trained Apulia in Saturday’s Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first ride at the venue since November 2018.

The Melbourne-based lightweight is excited to reunite with the Ben, Will and J D Hayes-trained entire, having guided him to three of his four career wins from 16 starts.

Dee rode Apulia to his maiden win at Cranbourne in August 2023 and is unbeaten aboard the horse this campaign, scoring first-up at Moonee Valley before taking out the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) during Melbourne Cup week.

Last year’s Northerly winner Light Infantry Man also claimed the Chester Manifold but finished unplaced in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) between those wins.

Although pleased with Apulia’s progress, Dee admits that drawing barrier 14 presents a significant challenge.

“He’s come back well and is going well, but he’s drawn a bit average,” Dee said.

“He naturally gets back, but it’s going to be a bit tricky.

“Last start we were able to have a nice run from barrier one and we were able to get off the fence and come around them, so hopefully they roll along and the 1800 metres is going to suit him.

“In his runs, he relaxes beautifully, comes back underneath you, and he’s got a good turn of foot when asked.

“He was going well in his three-year-old year, and I think he’s definitely come back to that and possibly a bit more.

“I did early work on him and then I lost the ride, I think through suspension, and lost him until this campaign.”

Since arriving in Perth, Apulia completed a barrier trial at Belmont on November 24, finishing second.

“He looked to trial there really well,” Dee said.

“I haven’t spoken to the boys about him since looking at his trial, so fingers crossed he’s ready to run well on Saturday.”

Punters wanting to back runners in the Northerly Stakes can compare markets at Australia’s leading betting sites.