McEvoy says Symphony in tune for redemption

TONY McEvoy says favourite Royal Symphony is ready to run the race of his life in the Caulfield Guineas today.

Although the colt has drifted with bookmakers to be $4, the trainer said he could regain the gloss he lost last start when beaten in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude.

Catchy has firmed from $5 to $4.80 second favourite, while Kementari is $5.

“We need everything to go right,” McEvoy said yesterday. “The horse is bright and well and I think he’s ready to peak.”

Royal Symphony suffered his first defeat when fourth to Perast in the Guineas Prelude (1400m) on October 1 but McEvoy said that effort was as good, if not better, than any of his four wins.

“He didn’t do anything wrong at his last start except he got beaten,” he said.

Since then McEvoy has added winkers to the horse’s gear.

“He’s really accepted the winkers and has worked well in them,” the trainer said.

The Guineas shaped as a high-pressure race, which would suit his colt.

McEvoy said his other Guineas runner Azazel ($41) was ready to run a huge race.

“He’s been drawing out in tougher races and been racing well,’’ he said. “He’s drawn beautifully (today) and in trackwork there’s not a hair’s breadth between them.”

McEvoy also has threeyear-old filly Mintha ($12) in the Thousand Guineas and he believes she’ll be suited by the step up to 1600m.

“The small field will suit. She’s a quality filly and she’ll acquit herself well,” he said.