Sometimes in racing, a twist of fortune changes everything — and for Half Yours, it turned out to be the difference between potential and greatness. The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained stayer captured the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) after a pivotal call to race in Melbourne instead of Sydney during September.

Originally targeted at the Metropolitan (2400m), the gelding’s plans were changed when he was made an emergency for the Kingston Town Stakes. The McEvoys opted to send him to Caulfield for the Naturalism Stakes (2000m), where victory earned him automatic entry into the Caulfield Cup. A brave fourth in the Turnbull Stakes then sealed his credentials.

On Saturday, Half Yours — perfectly ridden by Jamie Melham — justified his $2.50 favouritism, defeating River Of Stars ($91) and Valiant King ($26) in a thrilling finish.

“This is why we train,” Tony McEvoy said after the race. “These races are hard to win — bloody hard. But this horse has just come so far so quickly. Travelling really helped him grow up, and he’s turned into a proper stayer.”

McEvoy, who began his career under Colin Hayes at Lindsay Park, said he knew he had something special the moment the gelding returned from his Queensland campaign. “He’s matured out of sight,” he said. “When he came into the paddock today, he looked like a horse ready for 2400 metres — and he went out and proved it.”

For Melham, the win carried personal significance. “It’s surreal,” she said. “I didn’t want to think about it too much — I just wanted to do the job. To finally win a major, the Caulfield Cup, is emotional. I’ve had a wonderful career, but this is different. And I think he’ll stay the two miles — maybe the Melbourne Cup next.”

The victory has seen Half Yours surge to the top of Melbourne Cup (3200m) betting at $3.50, ahead of Al Riffa ($6) and Valiant King ($11). For updated odds and exclusive bookmaker offers on the Cup, visit Australia’s leading betting sites.