The Tony and Calvin McEvoy stable has unearthed a gem in Ambassadorial since his arrival.

He kicked off with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, later moving to Alex Rae’s Cranbourne base before his current placement.

Ambassadorial gathered three wins in 12 goes for Waterhouse and Bott, then drew blanks in eight with Rae yet managed placings including at Moonee Valley.

Five races into his McEvoy tenure, Ambassadorial has placed throughout, storming home victorious in the final three.

This Saturday he looks to continue the surge in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m).

Victory not only nets $180,000 but secures a ballot bypass to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) in October.

The 2400m will be a novel challenge for Ambassadorial, whose three successive McEvoy wins occurred at 2000m, capped by the Group 3 Easter Cup April 4.

Calvin McEvoy revealed Ambassadorial had returned ‘perfect’ from the run, deeming it prime for the distance trial given the Caulfield Cup lure.

“He’s come through it (the Easter Cup) really well,” McEvoy said.

“He’s come out of it better than he went into it.”

The leap to 2400m from 2000m may daunt rivals, yet McEvoy views it as manageable for Ambassadorial, elevated from BM70 to open grade this term with ongoing progress.

“He’s a lovely horse and the test will be the mile-and-a-half and I’m excited to see if he’ll handle it,” McEvoy said.

“(Being at) Mornington, the way he races, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but they gave him 15 points following that win, so there’s nowhere to hide now after winning that Group 3.”

The race attracts 14 starters and four standbys, all after the coveted Caulfield Cup qualifier.

Bankers Choice seeks a repeat, saddled with 60kg, 3kg heavier than last year.

Also engaged are Brayden Star, American Wolf and Immediacy from Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, complemented by Sea What I See from the Easter Cup runners-up spot.

Visit trusted betting sites to place your wagers on the Mornington Cup.