Damien Oliver will miss the first meeting of his premiership defence in Melbourne because of a foot injury.

Oliver has given up five rides at Moonee Valley on Saturday because of a foot problem caused by stepping on a sea urchin while surfing during his recent riding stint in Mauritius.

His manager Mark Van Triet said the nine-time Melbourne premiership winner should be fit to ride at Sandown on Wednesday.

Craig Newitt has replaced Oliver on the Chris Waller-trained Bagman and Mulaqen while James Winks will ride stablemate Acapela.

Ben Melham has picked up the ride on resuming three-year-old Illustrious Lad for trainer Peter Gelagotis.

Oliver was also booked for the Richard Jolly-trained Cool Hero, with a replacement still to come for the $4.60 equal favourite in the National Jockeys Celebration Day Handicap (1000m).

Oliver won the 2013/14 Melbourne premiership with 59 wins, 18 ahead of nearest rival Glen Boss.

He has not ridden in Australia since June 7 at Eagle Farm when he claimed the Group One Stradbroke Handicap on River Lad.

After the Stradbroke meeting Oliver ventured to Mauritius for a six-week riding stint.