Better known over a longer trip, the Tony and Calvin McEvo -trained Secret Blaze has been a surprise packet over shorter trips in his return from a long lay-off.

But after three runs from his injury enforced break, Secret Blaze is ready to take the step up in journey for the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) at The Valley on Friday night.

Secret Blaze had two runs over 1200m to start his spring campaign before stepping up to 1400m at his latest appearance with the three performances even surprising Tony McEvoy.

The gelding was beaten 2-½ lengths in the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield and then 2-¼ lengths in the Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.

At his latest run he finished under 3-½ lengths behind Ayrton at Caulfield over 1400m on August 28.

McEvoy said he had considered starting Secret Blaze over 1700m at Flemington on September 11 but opted for a little more work and the step up in trip on Friday night.

“He’s run really well and he’s ready to step up to further,” McEvoy said.

“They were super runs over 1200 metres and that’s what led me to run him at seven furlongs (1400m) third-up.

“He was looking for the mile then and if he was looking for a mile then, the 1700 metres after that wasn’t going to be enough.

“He looks pretty well in with 54 kilos and he’s ready to run well.”

McEvoy has not planned any further than Friday night but noted there was options available.

The Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on October 9 is an option while if he wanted to stay at 2000m the Group 3 Coongy Cup on October 13 could be a consideration.

“There’s the Geelong Cup, there’s the Moonee Valley Cup, all of those races and even Caulfield at the end of November if we can stretch him out that long,” McEvoy said.

“It’s been a long slow build up with him but he’s very sound, he’s well and he’ll run right through the spring for us.”