McEvoys go prospecting with Moana Spirit in the 2026 Geelong Diamond

Calvin McEvoy admits Saturday’s $150,000 Geelong Diamond presents a sterner challenge than Moana Spirit’s debut, but believes it is the ideal test for the rising filly.

Training in partnership with his father Tony, the Melbourne Cup-winning horseman is eager to see how the Yulong-owned daughter of Tagaloa performs in a race that has rapidly earned credibility as a key juvenile form race.

Moana Spirit is one of four runners to enter the 1100-metre event undefeated, and McEvoy sees the contest as an important measuring stick.

“It’s the time of the year that a lot of the horses that maybe missed the spring features are up and going now and I think she’s got a bright future, so I’m looking forward to seeing her in this race,” McEvoy said.

The Geelong Diamond has already delivered horses capable of measuring up at the highest level, with Cherish Me and Stay Focused both translating their performances into strong Blue Diamond campaigns.

Moana Spirit’s preparation has been deliberately spaced, with the Geelong assignment coming after a convincing debut win at Morphettville on December 6, where she scored by two lengths.

Although favourite Inhabit failed to finish that race due to an issue, Moana Spirit has continued to impress, including a sharp 800m jumpout victory at Flemington.

“She went to Adelaide as a raw filly and won, albeit when the favourite had heart arrythmia, but still won really well and she’s taken a lot of improvement from that experience,” McEvoy said.

“She had a very nice trial in between and I think she’s in with a nice chance.”

Luke Currie will ride Moana Spirit at Geelong, where she is a popular second elect behind Ghana’s Akan, trained by Ciaron Maher.

Odds and race markets for the Geelong Diamond are available via the Australian betting sites list.