Moonee Valley Vase the ideal 2025 Victoria Derby option
Fresh off their Caulfield Cup success with Half Yours, Tony and Calvin McEvoy are chasing further spring riches with a two-pronged assault on Flemington’s major races. Half Yours is on a path to the $8 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) on November 4, while emerging colt Options will be the stable’s hopeful in the $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m) three days earlier.
Before that, Options will contest the Group 2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley, his final tune-up before the Derby. The Godolphin-owned colt joined the McEvoys at the start of the season and has made an immediate impact, winning his first two starts at Echuca and Bendigo, finishing third in the Victoria Derby Preview, and then storming home to win the Listed Super Impose Stakes at Flemington.
The team considered a start in the Caulfield Classic (2000m) last weekend but opted to stay patient. “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.”
Options had a course familiarisation at Moonee Valley during Breakfast With The Best on Tuesday, and McEvoy said the experience would only benefit him. “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.”
Regular jockey Harry Coffey will again take the ride, having partnered the colt in all his previous outings. Coffey skipped Tuesday’s work due to the birth of his daughter but will return to the saddle for race day duties.
Fans can follow the latest updates and betting markets for the Victoria Derby and Melbourne Cup at Australia’s best betting sites.
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