Caulfield Cup winning father-and-son training duo Tony and Calvin McEvoy have their eyes on a few more Group 1 prizes before the end of the spring carnival.
Half Yours provided the McEvoy’s with their maiden Caulfield Cup victory and is heading to the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
But before the ‘race that stops the nation’ comes the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 1 for which they have three-year-old colt Options aimed at.
But first, Options heads to the Cox Plate Day meeting at Moonee Valley on Saturday to contest the Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m).
The Godolphin-owned Options is in his first racing preparation and since being transferred to the McEvoy’s at the start of the season has been aimed specifically at the Derby.
Options won his first two starts at Echuca and Bendigo before running third over 1800m at Flemington in the Victoria Derby Preview on September 21.
He rebounded to claim the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on October 4 to show his Derby prospects were on song.
The McEvoy’s had considered starting Options in the Caulfield Classic (2000m) last Saturday but stuck to their guns and their planning with Saturday’s race considered the better lead-up to the Derby on Saturday week.
“We’ve always loved the idea of the back-up,” Calvin McEvoy said.
“We accepted last week, but it was always 30-70 about running.
“I don’t think the 2500 metres, will be a problem. (Sire) Impending suggests (he won’t stay) not, but his dam side is very stout and everything about the horse suggests he will stay.
“He’s been very strong at the end of all his races, so we’ll see how he goes on Saturday.”
McEvoy took the opportunity of taking Options to The Valley for Breakfast With The Best on Tuesday morning and said the colt was ‘OK’ getting around the track.
“I think he will be alright on Saturday,” McEvoy said.
“He got around there OK on Tuesday and now that he’s been there, I think he will be better next time around.
“It’s all systems go for Saturday and then hopefully back up into the Derby.”
Harry Coffey, who has ridden Options in all four starts to date, rides the colt again on Saturday.
Coffey missed riding Options on Tuesday after his wife Tayla gave birth to a daughter on Monday.
