Godolphin’s three-year-olds have dominated many of the Group 1 races this season, and Tony and Calvin McEvoy are hoping it’s now their turn to take centre stage at Flemington this Saturday.
The father-and-son training duo will saddle up promising colt Options in the Victoria Derby (2500m), as they look to claim their second major victory of the spring carnival.
The McEvoys are already enjoying a memorable season, having won the Caulfield Cup on October 18 with Half Yours. A Derby triumph would be the perfect follow-up to that success — and the celebrations could continue into next week, with Half Yours set to contest the Melbourne Cup (3200m) on Tuesday.
Options began his racing career under James Cummings at Godolphin before the champion trainer’s upcoming move to Hong Kong saw his large team of horses dispersed among several top Australian stables.
Group 1 winners Beiwacht and Attica were sent to Chris Waller and Joe Pride respectively, while Caulfield Guineas placegetter and current Derby favourite Observer joined Ciaron Maher’s stable alongside The Everest placegetter Tempted. Options, meanwhile, found a new home with the McEvoys.
The talented colt made an immediate impression, scoring a maiden win at Echuca shortly after joining the stable before following up with another success at Bendigo. He then finished third in the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington on September 21 and returned to win the Super Impose Stakes over the same course and distance on October 4.
Options was expected to challenge Observer strongly in last weekend’s Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley, but endured a luckless run, finishing fifth and just under four lengths from the winner.
Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy said the colt had pulled up exceptionally well from that run and was on track to peak for the Derby. “We wanted to run on Saturday, and we wanted a bit more luck, but we left the racecourse knowing the big target was this weekend,” McEvoy said. “He didn’t get a lot of luck. They went very slow, but he felt good to Harry (Coffey) late. He did some work this morning and he has never come through a race better. He’ll be peaking on Saturday, and we think he will run the trip as well.”
The Victoria Derby has drawn 24 nominations, with Observer the $1.90 favourite in early betting and Options rated a strong contender at $10. Barriers for the field will be confirmed on Wednesday.
If you’re planning to back a runner in the Victoria Derby, make sure to compare odds and bonuses at Australia’s best betting sites before placing your wager on the Flemington feature.
