Dual Cup winner Half Yours will make his return to racing in Saturday’s Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, stepping out against some of Australia’s leading sprinters.
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained five-year-old, who claimed both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in 2025, is currently rated a $23 chance for the $1.5 million feature, with Angel Capital holding favouritism at $4.60. Other Group 1 winners in the market include Jimmysstar, Giga Kick, Fangirl, Briasa, Pericles and Beiwacht.
Speaking on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up, Calvin McEvoy conceded the task at 1400m is a challenging one for the stayer.
“I doubt (he can win),” the co-trainer admitted.
“Back in the day, it was a more of a normal thing to kick Melbourne Cup winners off over 1400m, but I think those fields were probably a lot of stayers resuming, whereas now we’re getting the TJ Smith Stakes field effectively running.
“So, I’m not going to sit here and say that he can beat horses like Giga Kick, Briasa and Jimmysstar over 1400m.
“(Also), unfortunately no rain for us, which would have enhanced his chances.
“But what I will say is, if you were just training the horse without knowing what he was, I’ll tell you what, he’s going well and he’s nice and sharp… He’s drawn well and I think he’ll run probably better than what a lot of people would expect.”
After a standout spring campaign, Half Yours will now be tested at weight-for-age level this preparation.
While some observers have questioned whether he can make that transition, McEvoy is confident the gelding has continued to improve.
“No doubt, (he’s improved),” McEvoy stated.
“He’s a very, very good horse, and he showed in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) that he’s a weight-for-age horse.
“You know, arguably had he jumped clean, he goes very close to Via Sistina in that race, and that was probably not an ideal prep for a 2000m weight-for-age race.
“He’s a remarkable horse, like he won the Caulfield Cup, and I thought he presented better in the Melbourne Cup and probably ran better.
“So, he’s a good horse and he can do pretty good things, I think.”
Looking ahead, McEvoy confirmed the gelding will follow a Queensland winter campaign similar to last year’s lead-in.
“His programme is pretty set in stone – he’ll go to Queensland after Saturday, and he’ll run in the Hollindale Stakes (1800m), and then the Doomben Cup (2000m), and then the Q22 (2200m),” the co-trainer stated.
The long-term aim remains the Group 1 Cox Plate, with McEvoy confirming the spring target.
“He’ll head towards the Cox Plate,” McEvoy confirmed.
“It was nice, selfishly nice, to see that Autumn Glow probably won’t go there, but obviously now Sir Delius is there, so it’s going to be a tough race.”
Sir Delius currently heads Cox Plate betting at $3.50, while Half Yours is quoted at $11.
For those looking to bet on the All Aged Stakes and upcoming features, you can compare leading betting sites to find suitable options.
