Coffey picks up mount

Harry Coffey says he is proud to be chosen to ride Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance in his return at Caulfield.

Prince Of Penzance starts his buildup to this year’s Cup in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) tomorrow.

Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne is still weeks away from a return following a fall in May, while Coffey is not long back from a stint in hospital for what he calls a tuneup before the spring carnival.

“My health’s very good at the moment and it’s easy to have good health when you’re riding these good horses, but it has to be.

“When you’re riding against the best you have to be at your best.”

The ride on Prince Of Penzance will be Coffey’s third at group one level and he says he’s thankful for Victorian trainer Darren Weir’s support.