Trainer Tony McEvoy is plotting an ambitious campaign for Half Yours after the gelding captured the Listed Caloundra Cup in dominant fashion on Saturday.
The four-year-old has now raced across three states in five starts this prep, capping it off with an eye-catching win that may serve as a stepping stone to the Caulfield Cup in October.
Connections can take further encouragement from the fact that last year’s Winx Guineas winner on this card, Knight’s Choice, progressed to take out the Melbourne Cup.
“He’s a horse we sourced and purchased and thought he was the right article and he showed that today that he’s the horse we’d hoped for,” McEvoy said.
“He looks to have a bright staying future.”
Half Yours, sent out a $3.50 favourite with punters, cruised to a 4½-length win over Bear On The Loose ($4.20), with Felix The Scat ($17) in third.
McEvoy says the plan was always to secure a rating hike to open spring doors: “He’s achieved that now so we’ll back off him and have a spell but he’ll go to a water walker and tick over and have a little reward for a few weeks.”
Jockey Ash Morgan was similarly impressed: “He’s a proper, proper horse and he got into a nice spot and switched off for me.”
“His strength is that he relaxes really well in the run and has an explosive turn-of-foot. He put them to bed.”
“Down in the weights, and there’s a lot of good races over two miles, there’s not really any ceiling for that.”
The same pair also struck with Mr Verse ($4.40), adding to a memorable day at the Sunshine Coast.
Considering a flutter on future Group 1s like the Caulfield or Melbourne Cup? Compare the best betting options at justhorseracing.com.au.