Top jockey Lance O'Sullivan has landed the ride aboard Cyclades in the $270,000 Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham on January 26.
Trainer Cydne Evans yesterday confirmed O'Sullivan's engagement for the horse.
"When you can get the best it is pretty hard to turn them down," Evans said.
O'Sullivan replaces Kelly Davidson, who has
ridden Cyclades at his last three starts.
They were a third in the Counties Cup, a first in the Queen Elizabeth Handicap and a second in the Auckland Cup.
Davidson copped some criticism over her Auckland Cup ride after improving wide around the field and hitting the front early in the run home. Cyclades was run down in the last few strides by Maguire.
Evans did not want to criticise Davidson and said she had spoken to her about changing riders.
"Hindsight is a great thing and Kelly has learned a lot from the ride."
Cyclades was given a week off after his Ellerslie run but was back into work this week.
There are 29 horses left in the Wellington Cup after yesterday's second withdrawals. The first four home in the Auckland Cup - Maguire, Cyclades, Ebony Honor and Blanchard - remain in contention.
The group-one $130,000 Thorndon Mile Handicap (1600m) has 35 left, including Cent Home, So Casual, Giovana, Tit For Tat and Hello Dolly.
The $225,000 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) is down to 29 prospective candidates and there are 14 left in the $100,000 Telegraph Handicap (1200m).
Railway Handicap winner, Sound The Alarm and last year's Telegraph winner Star Of Gold, who is injured, are among those withdrawn.
- NZPA
