Mcevoy aims to peak in Everest
TONY Mcevoy is looking forward to Sunlight clashing again with the superfast sprinter Nature Strip in Friday night’s Moir Stakes but believes the latter will have the advantage over 1000m.
“Sunlight is a 1200m horse and she’s taking on a 1000m specialist in Nature Strip so around The Valley he might prove to be a bit too nippy for her but she’ll be more than competitive,” Mcevoy said.
“We’re here to run as it’s part of her program to peak in The Everest, which is what we’re trying to achieve.”
The TAB had Nature Strip as a $4.50 favourite with Sunlight second favourite at $6.
Mcevoy also said being forced to switch states due to the Sydney rain over the weekend had played into the hands of sprinting mare Sunlight.
“It’s really makes a difference to her. Travelling has always stimulated her and it’s done so again.”
Yesterday Sunlight galloped at The Valley and Mcevoy said Luke Currie was pleased with her.
“He said she galloped as if she was familiar with the track and she ran a quick time. He thought she was really flying.”
Mcevoy isn’t concerned by Sunlight’s first-up fifth in the Concorde Stakes in a field of six behind Redzel on September 9 at Randwick.
“She always takes a run to get to her best and she also gets stimulated by that.”
Mcevoy will then return to Sydney and start Sunlight in the Premier Stakes on Saturday week before facing The TAB Everest on October 19.
Mcevoy is also happy with Makybe Diva’s daughter Divanation, who will resume from a spell at Flemington tomorrow.
Mcevoy entered Divanation, who hasn’t started since she finished third in the Warrnambool Cup, for all of the feature spring events but said it’s all too early for her.
“We’ll pick our way through spring. She’s come back in better order every time she comes back into work,” he said.
“I was really thrilled with her trial win at Cranbourne.
“She’ll be suited by the wide open spaces at Flemington. I’ll just place her accordingly during spring.”
Mcevoy will also have three-year-old filly Marndarra start in the Oaks Trial (1800m) at Flemington tomorrow.
“She was disappointing in the Morphettville Guineas at her last start but she was ridden too forward.
“She’ll be ridden more patiently and I’m confident she’ll run the trip right out.”