Interstate trainer Tony McEvoy will wait as long as possible before heading to Sydney for Saturday’s $3 million The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of The Championships.
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McEvoy will be represented by one of the fancies Hey Doc ($15), an impressive last start Australian Guineas winner at Flemington.
“We won’t head up from Victoria until later in the week,” McEvoy revealed.
“I prefer to work him at home in the dry rather than go up to Sydney where there’s been a lot of rain.”
Hey Doc has won two of his only three starts this campaign and claimed the Group 3 C.S. Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington prior to his Group 1 Australian Guineas victory.
“The Doncaster is obviously a big step up for him. Only the top line three-year-olds can win these types of Group Ones and we’re hoping he is up to the task.”
Hey Doc has been a model of consistency with six wins and three placings from his 12 starts, accumulating $900,000 in prizemoney.
“He is a very good prospect. He is honest, sound and on Saturday has no weight (51kg) on his back so we’re expecting a huge run from him,” McEvoy said.
Regular jockey Luke Currie cannot make the weight with local rider Tim Clark being booked for Hey Doc, with Clark having won the race five years back aboard Sacred Choice.
McEvoy will also be bringing talented colt Aspect to Sydney for Saturday’s Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires’ (1400m).
Aspect has only raced four times for a win and a second, the latter being a nose defeat in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce (1400m) at Flemington on March 11.
“He’s a lovely horse and we’ve always held him in high regard,” said McEvoy.
Luke Currie had to ride the horse upside down last start in contrast to the colt getting back in the field and running on late.
“He was trapped wide early and Luke had no choice but to go forward and sit outside the leader rather than cover extra ground.
“He was out of his comfort zone and ran super.
“The winner zipped away from him halfway down the straight then my bloke charged to the line – one more stride and he wins the race.”
TAB fixed odds have Golden Slipper runner-up Frolic the $4.60 favourite for the Inglis Sires’ ahead of Menari and Tulip at $8. Aspect is quoted at $51.
- This preview of The Championships is brought to you by Racing NSW. Mark Brassel writes for Racing NSW Magazine, racingnsw.com.au and thechampionships.com.au
