Trainer Tony McEvoy, alongside his son Calvin, is fully aware of the progression a horse can make.

Last year, after a winter period spent in Queensland’s warmth, Half Yours emerged to win both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Half Yours is again headed for the Melbourne Cup, with the Cox Plate as a potential stepping stone, though the father-and-son training team nominated him for the Caulfield Cup earlier this week when entries closed.

Nearco Frod, also nominated for the Caulfield Cup from the McEvoy stable, will attempt to extend his winning streak to four in the McMahon’s Dairy Handicap (2400m) at Sandown on Saturday.

Nearco Frod did not undertake the same ‘winter excursion’ to the Sunshine Coast; instead, he braved Melbourne’s cold, securing wins on heavy tracks at Sandown on July 1 and July 15, followed by a victory over 2520m at Flemington on August 1.

Tony McEvoy commented that a start in the Caulfield Cup was the ambition, but Nearco Frod had not yet qualified for the race.

The Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3 could be a more realistic target, considering the plan is to aim for the Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington on September 12, following Saturday’s race.

The Archer provides the winner with ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup.

“He’ll go to The Archer and then we’ll reassess where we are then,” McEvoy said.

“The Caulfield Cup, it is a big step, but we’ve put him in and he’s a handy little stayer.”

“We saw last year where they can come from, but at this stage we’re thinking Saturday and then into The Archer.”

Craig Williams returns to the saddle on Saturday, having won consecutive races aboard the stayer at Sandown.

Nearco Frod was the horse that gave Blake Shinn his first win back from injury when successful at Flemington in his most recent start. The betting markets for this upcoming Cox Plate contender will be closely watched.