Jockey Larry Cassidy will step up his riding commitments after finishing third in his first race for more than a year.

Cassidy was forced out of the saddle by recurring knee problems which required surgery.

He had one ride at the Gold Coast on Saturday aboard the Les Kelly-trained Forbidden Kisses who came home strongly to finish half a length from the winner Testability.

Cassidy will takes things gradually into a full comeback with limited rides at Doomben and Ipswich during the week and the Gold Coast or Eagle Farm on Saturday.

"It was good to be back and now to take the next steps," Cassidy said.

A premiership winner in Sydney and Brisbane, Cassidy's last winner was aboard future champion mare Winx in last year's Sunshine Coast Guineas.