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By Ray Hickson

It’d be a high bar to set to think I Am Famous could live up to the reputation and deeds of her older half-brother but jockey Kerrin McEvoy says they have one thing in common that suggests the best is still to come.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy (Pic: Bradley Photos)

That sibling is of course Classique Legend, who McEvoy guided to a runaway TAB Everest win in 2020 just a couple of months after I Am Famous was born, and a good part of the reason she set connections back $2 million as a yearling.

After a slow start to her career the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old, who actually turns four by birthdate on Tuesday, is chasing four straight wins in the Kia Ora Prague Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

“She’s come a long way in the last six months,’’ McEvoy said.

“She showed glimpses of talent early on, I suppose you could say she was highly strung and taking her time to get her head around what was involved.

“She is a different type of horse in regards to her best trip so it’s hard to compare her to Classique Legend.

“He was quite a freak but he did keep improving as he got older so there’s no reason why she can’t do the same.”

I Am Famous, $4.40 with TAB on Friday, didn’t post her first win until her sixth race start but she’s quickly made up for it with a Class 1 win then jumped to Benchmark 78 grade to complete the hat-trick two weeks ago.

McEvoy said he was taken aback by how big and strong she’s become and it’s clearly showing in her form.

“Chris has been very patient with her and she’s got to handle the pressures of race day which is showing in her exploits on the track,’’ he said.

“I couldn’t believe how big and well she felt going to the gates the other day.

“She’s really furnished and that’s the reason why she’s coming into her own.”

Classique Legend is currently enjoying post-racing life at McEvoy’s Central Coast property and there’s a good chance he’ll be prepared to take part in Equimillion in 2025.

If I Am Famous can continue on her winning way, and handle the 3kg weight rise, McEvoy said there’s every reason to think she can make it to stakes company at least.

She’s led all the way to her past two wins and with barrier one again the champion jockey said it gives him options.

“She’s shown she likes to be an on speed type runner but I wouldn’t say she has to lead,’’ he said.

“We’ll work out the tempo and play it as it unfolds. She’s been beginning nicely and the inside draw is a nice advantage.”

It’s been a month since promising three-year-old Getafix’s first-up fourth at Rosehill and McEvoy said he’s looking forward to seeing what he produces in the Schweppes Handicap (1300m).

He said the gelding’s resumption was better than it looked, given the way the race was run with the leader winning, and Punter’s Intelligence backs that view up as he clocked the fastest last 600m of 34.90.

I Am Famous wins at Rosehill on August 3

Trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton have scratched Getafix twice since that run, due to wide barriers and a minor issue last week.

“He’s had the little fit up trial in between and he looked to do it well,’’ McEvoy said.

“No doubt he’ll be better for that run. I think the trip will suit him better and we’ll be guided by this run as to where he goes to next.”

Kerrin McEvoy on Matusalem (race 9): “He was good the other day off a fast speed and he was quite soft late. The blinkers going back on was a good move by Chris and there’s no reason why he can’t show his hand and make his presence felt.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill meeting