Tony and Calvin McEvoy are enjoying a stellar spring and aren’t finished yet. The Caulfield Cup-winning team are preparing for a shot at more Group 1 glory, with Half Yours heading to the $8 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) and rising colt Options on track for the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 1.

Before that, Options will take his next step in the Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley. The Godolphin-owned colt has impressed since joining the McEvoy stable this season, winning at Echuca and Bendigo before running third in the Victoria Derby Preview and then claiming the Listed Super Impose Stakes at Flemington.

The stable had considered testing him in the Caulfield Classic (2000m) but decided the Vase was the ideal Derby trial. “We’ve always loved the idea of the back-up,” Calvin McEvoy said. “We accepted last week, but it was always 30-70 about running. I don’t think the 2500 metres will be a problem. (Sire) Impending suggests (he won’t stay) not, but his dam side is very stout and everything about the horse suggests he will stay. He’s been very strong at the end of all his races, so we’ll see how he goes on Saturday.”

McEvoy gave the colt a look at the Valley on Tuesday during Breakfast With The Best and was encouraged by what he saw. “I think he will be alright on Saturday,” McEvoy said. “He got around there OK on Tuesday and now that he’s been there, I think he will be better next time around. It’s all systems go for Saturday and then hopefully back up into the Derby.”

Harry Coffey, who has been aboard for all four starts, will again take the reins. Coffey missed Tuesday’s gallop following the birth of his daughter with wife Tayla earlier in the week but will be back in the saddle this weekend.

For updated Victoria Derby odds and feature-race betting, visit JustHorseRacing’s betting sites list.