Passion for Group 1 win

TRAINER Tony McEvoy has been forced to keep former leading Victoria Derby contender Royal Symphony at home but still hopes to be a Group 1 player on the first day of the Flemington carnival.

Royal Symphony came out of the Cox Plate the worse for wear after a torrid run on Saturday and Cool Passion could be the stable’s main hope for a Group 1 win on Saturday.

McEvoy admits he is sending the former West Australian mare into uncharted territory in the Myer Classic (1600m), a weight-for-age race for fillies and mares.

Cool Passion, who won the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield this month, is stepping up from 1400m at her latest start.