Victoria Derby aspirant Jimando’s enthusiasm for an increased workload has trainer Tony McEvoy excited going into Saturday’s Norman Robinson Stakes.
The Group Three race at Caulfield will give McEvoy a better guide on Jimando’s Derby claims as he’ll have a rematch with Philippi and Hvasstan who beat him last start as well as meeting Sydney raiders Kabayan and Honorius who are on a Derby path.
The David Payne-trained Honorius brings with him form through the Group One Spring Champion Stakes in Sydney which was won by Derby favourite It’s A Dundeel with Honorius in the minor placing.
After Jimando was comprehensively beaten by Pierro in the Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m), McEvoy decided to head towards the Victoria Derby with the Norman Robinson a crucial race on the way.
“He’s going to the Derby. His program has been set for the Derby and this is the final step towards that race,” McEvoy said.
“The thing about stepping up horses to stay is that they have got to handle the workload, and since I’ve started to put some endurance in his legs the horse has done beautifully.”
McEvoy said it was difficult for him to line up the Sydney horses but believes meeting Philippi and Hvasstan better at the weights from his last-start third in the Listed UCI Stakes (1800m) helps his chances.
