Big Memory will be given another chance in the Mornington Cup, with trainer Tony McEvoy convinced the stayer is on the verge of an overdue win.
Big Memory, who hasn’t won since the 2014 Group Two Herbert Power Stakes, had to settle for second to Banca Mo in the 2015 Mornington Cup when he carried 58.5kg.
“He was wide throughout last year with a big weight and looked home but the effort just told on him,” McEvoy said.
“He’s due for one of these races, for sure. He just needs a bit more luck.
“He’s going equally as good as last year, I think. We were confident he could win last year and he just missed, and my confidence levels are the same this year.”
Big Memory will be one of two runners for McEvoy in Saturday’s Listed race with Lucky Lucky Lucky also a confirmed runner.
Big Memory was second-up in the Golden Mile (1600m) last start at Bendigo and made a late lunge at winner Nevis, who had 6kg less, only to miss by a short head.
He steps to 2400m at his third run of the campaign and McEvoy said the race was always in the plans for the six-year-old.
The winner earns a ballot exemption into this year’s Caulfield Cup and McEvoy said that was an added attraction.
“He’s going to this race because it fits in perfectly for where he’s at,” the trainer said.
“Then I can decide whether to back off for the spring or go to Brisbane for the Brisbane Cup.”
Weights were released on Tuesday with Group One winner The United States given 60.5kg with Puccini next on 57kg.
Big Memory has 55.5kg while Albury Gold Cup winner Tom Melbourne has 54.5kg.
Of the 25 nominations, 19 are on the 54kg limit.
McEvoy said Lucky Lucky Lucky wasn’t in the same class as Big Memory but was fit and racing well and earned his chance to run in the Mornington Cup with his last-start second to Dandy Gent over 2400m at Bendigo.
