Suspensions and out-of-state obligations among jockeys have allowed Beau Mertens to get back on Sabaj for the Australian Cup.

Mick Price originally gave the tough update to Mertens that Mark Zahra was set to partner Sabaj in the Group 1 event at Flemington this Saturday.

But that call was reversed swiftly when Zahra copped a suspension at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday for careless riding, followed by another ban on Saturday over a whip violation, sidelining him from the mount.

“If only I had waited, I would have been a good bloke, instead I’ve covered myself in shame,” Price said.

“I had to put my arm around Beau again as there are riders going left, right and centre.”

Sabaj, prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, enters the Australian Cup after a recent fourth placing in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 7.

On that occasion, ahead of him were fellow Australian Cup hopefuls Tom Kitten and Pride Of Jenni, with Birdman arriving from a victory in the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on March 14.

Price noted the team was eager to stretch Sabaj out to 2000m.

“He’s a big clean-winded horse and we’ve been working him for 2000 metres,” Price said.

“I think he’ll show up, but he’s got to be good enough on the day. He’s a nice, sound horse, and he seems to go on all types of ground.

“If Jenni turns up, she will be unbeatable and Birdman, he’s coming through the 1800-metre race.

“It’s a competitive race, he likes Flemington. It will be a small field, he’s a relaxed horse, so he should travel good.”

Sabaj experienced a slight issue before the All-Star Mile, prompting the stable to change their planned campaign.

The original intention was the Blamey Stakes (1600m) leading into the Peter Young Stakes, but that itinerary was abandoned.

“My question on the horse starting in the Australian Cup is he has to be good enough on the day to win a 2000-metre weight-for-age race,” Price said.

“I do think it’s a better option than the Doncaster Mile and it’s staring us in the face, so we might as well try it.”

After this weekend, Price suggested Sabaj might travel to Sydney for the later stages of the Carnival or aim at Queensland Winter Carnival targets.

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