Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy says criticism early this year of his rides on Chris Waller-trained stars only steeled him for future opportunities, and he hopes to repay the faith of the premier Sydney trainer on Saturday at Randwick on two group 1 chances from tricky draws.

McEvoy has the task of guiding unbeaten Epsom Handicap favourite Autumn Glow from the outside barrier of 14, as well as Birdman from 17 in the Metropolitan.

The 84-time group 1-winning jockey took both to last-start wins, and with James McDonald riding Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington, he has kept the prized sit on Autumn Glow.

The four-year-old, unbeaten in six career starts, has been a clear favourite for the $1.5 million Epsom (1600m) since Waller made it a first group 1 target for the daughter of

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