Sam Clipperton will forgo the mount on one of his favourite horses to link with the John O'Shea's San Diego in the $200,000 Scone Cup, a race significant in the careers of both jockey and trainer.

Twelve months ago Clipperton gave O'Shea his first stakes win as head trainer for Sheikh Mohammed when he took out the feature mile aboard Cameo.

It was also an important victory for the young rider who was approaching a turning point in his career.

"This time last year I only had a couple of months to go in my apprenticeship so it was a big thrill," Clipperton said.

"It's a significant race and particularly to do it for what was Darley at the time and for John, it was pretty special"

"We've drawn the opposite end of the barriers this year. Last year I drew one, this year we've drawn 16."

Clipperton has since forged a strong relationship with Godolphin and is one of their go-to jockeys, behind retained rider James McDonald.

He also rides regularly for his former master Ron Quinton who will start Monton in the race, a horse Clipperton has partnered regularly.

Tye Angland has picked up the mount on Quinton's veteran with Clipperton already committed to San Diego, who will back up from his placing behind You'll Never at Rosehill on Saturday.

Clipperton expects the backmarker to get a suitable tempo in the Scone Cup and is unperturbed by the four-year-old's quick return to the races.

"John wouldn't be running him if he wasn't happy with the horse and he's a big, strong horse," Clipperton said.

"He's a good doer and about as tall as this roof and as long as a semitrailer, I don't think it will worry him."

San Diego will be one of three Godolphin runners in the Cup along with Malice for McDonald and Medcaut to be ridden by Christian Reith.