Caulfield Cup-winning trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy are aiming to extend their successful spring campaign, with several major Group 1 targets still to come. After claiming their first Caulfield Cup triumph with Half Yours, the father-and-son partnership now turn their attention toward the $8 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
Before the Cup, however, the McEvoys will be represented by promising three-year-old Options, who is being set for the $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 1. The Godolphin-owned colt will continue his preparation in Saturday’s Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley.
Transferred to the McEvoy stable at the start of the season, Options has quickly made his mark, winning his first two starts at Echuca and Bendigo before finishing third in the Victoria Derby Preview at Flemington. He confirmed his staying potential when taking out the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) earlier this month.
The stable considered the Caulfield Classic (2000m) last weekend but stuck with their long-term plan, believing the Vase provides a more suitable pathway to the Derby. “We’ve always loved the idea of the back-up,” Calvin McEvoy said. “We accepted last week, but it was always 30-70 about running. I don’t think the 2500 metres will be a problem. (Sire) Impending suggests (he won’t stay) not, but his dam side is very stout and everything about the horse suggests he will stay. He’s been very strong at the end of all his races, so we’ll see how he goes on Saturday.”
McEvoy took Options to Moonee Valley for Breakfast With The Best on Tuesday and said the colt handled the circuit well. “I think he will be alright on Saturday,” he said. “He got around there OK on Tuesday and now that he’s been there, I think he will be better next time around. It’s all systems go for Saturday and then hopefully back up into the Derby.”
Regular jockey Harry Coffey retains the ride, having partnered the colt in each of his four starts. Coffey missed trackwork on Tuesday after his wife Tayla gave birth to their daughter on Monday but will be back in the saddle for race day.
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