The Caulfield Guineas is firmly in the sight of Tony McEvoy following the first-up win of Azazel at Flemington.
Having his first run since a throat operation, Azazel powered home to win the VRC Members’ Pavillion Handicap on Saturday.
Ridden by Luke Currie, Azazel ($5) scored by three quarters of a length from Wait For No One ($5) with Cao Cao ($5) the same margin way third.
McEvoy has mapped out a program to the Caulfield Guineas which will be run on October 14.
Azazel will head to the McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on August 26 before contesting the Guineas Prelude at Caulfield.
“It’s good when you have these quality colts come back and find their form quickly,” McEvoy said.
“I thought for a stride the 1000 metres might have been a bit sharp but he concentrated today and the benefit of a trial down the straight improved his straight manners.
“He was competitive as a two-year-old but now when I can get him out to 1400 metres and a mile, I think you’ll see the right horse.”
McEvoy holds a strong hand in early 2017 Caulfield Guineas discussions with the undefeated Royal Symphony also aimed at the Group One 1600m race and McEvoy hasn’t yet declared his pick of the pair.
“I haven’t put them down together at home but I don’t mind running first and second,” he said.
