Ambassadorial has enjoyed a sharp turnaround in form since joining the Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable and will look to continue that progression in Saturday’s Listed Mornington Cup (2400m).
The gelding began his career under the care of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott before later transferring to Alex Rae at Cranbourne. During his time with Waterhouse and Bott, Ambassadorial recorded three wins from 12 starts, while a subsequent eight-start stint with Rae yielded no victories, although he did place on several occasions at Moonee Valley.
Since joining the McEvoy stable, the gelding has been a consistent performer, finishing in the placings at all five runs, including wins at his past three starts.
He now steps up in distance to 2400m for the first time as he looks to extend that winning sequence in a race that offers more than just prizemoney.
Alongside the $180,000 winner’s purse, victory in the Mornington Cup also provides a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) later this year.
Ambassadorial’s recent success has come over 2000m, including his most recent victory in the Group 3 Easter Cup on April 4.
Calvin McEvoy said the gelding had come through that run in excellent condition and felt the timing was right to test him at the longer trip.
“He’s come through it (the Easter Cup) really well,” McEvoy said.
“He’s come out of it better than he went into it.”
Despite the rise in distance, McEvoy is confident Ambassadorial can handle the challenge, having progressed rapidly through the grades this preparation.
“He’s a lovely horse and the test will be the mile-and-a-half and I’m excited to see if he’ll handle it,” McEvoy said.
“(Being at) Mornington, the way he races, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but they gave him 15 points following that win, so there’s nowhere to hide now after winning that Group 3.”
The Mornington Cup has attracted a field of 14 runners plus four emergencies, all vying for the coveted ballot exemption into the Caulfield Cup.
Last year’s winner Bankers Choice returns and will carry topweight of 60kg, an increase of 3kg on his winning weight from last year.
Other key contenders include Brayden Star, American Wolf and Immediacy from the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable, along with Easter Cup runner-up Sea What I See.
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