Tony and Calvin McEvoy are aiming to continue their outstanding spring campaign when their promising colt Options lines up in Saturday’s Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.
The McEvoy stable has already celebrated Group 1 success this season thanks to Half Yours, who delivered a thrilling win in the Caulfield Cup on October 18. A Derby victory would cap a remarkable fortnight for the training partnership, and with Half Yours also set to contest the Melbourne Cup (3200m) next Tuesday, the team could be in for an unforgettable run of results.
Options began his racing career under James Cummings as part of the powerful Godolphin operation before being transferred to the McEvoy stable following Cummings’ announcement that he will relocate to Hong Kong next year. The redistribution of Godolphin’s horses saw Group 1 winners Beiwacht and Attica move to Chris Waller and Joe Pride respectively, while Caulfield Guineas placegetter and Derby favourite Observer, along with The Everest placegetter Tempted, were sent to Ciaron Maher. Options found his new home with the McEvoys — and hasn’t looked back since.
The colt kicked off with a dominant maiden victory at Echuca, then doubled up with another strong win at Bendigo. His form held when he finished third in the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington on September 21, and he returned to win the Super Impose Stakes over the same track and trip on October 4, confirming himself as one of the top local staying prospects.
Last Saturday, Options was unlucky when fifth in the Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley, where he was held up badly before hitting the line late. Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy said the team has taken great confidence from the run heading into the Derby. “We wanted to run on Saturday, and we wanted a bit more luck, but we left the racecourse knowing the big target was this weekend,” McEvoy said. “He didn’t get a lot of luck. They went very slow, but he felt good to Harry (Coffey) late. He did some work this morning and he has never come through a race better. He’ll be peaking on Saturday, and we think he will run the trip as well.”
The 2025 Victoria Derby has attracted a strong field of 24 nominations, headed by Observer at $1.90, with Options sitting on the third line of betting at $10. The final field and barrier draw will be confirmed on Wednesday.
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