Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.
Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a potential path via the Cox Plate, although the father-and-son training team did nominate him for the Caulfield Cup when nominations closed earlier this week.
Another entrant from the McEvoy stable for the Caulfield Cup is Nearco Frod, who will be aiming to extend his current winning streak to four when he contests the McMahon's Dairy Handicap (2400m) at Sandown this Saturday.
Nearco Frod did not benefit from a 'winter excursion' to the Sunshine Coast for warmth; instead, he endured the cold of Melbourne, securing victories on heavy tracks at Sandown on July 1 and July 15, before winning over 2520m at Flemington on August 1.
Tony McEvoy indicated that securing a place in the Caulfield Cup was the aspiration, but Nearco Frod had not yet achieved the necessary qualification for the race.
The Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3 might be a more realistic objective, given the strategy is to target the Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington on September 12, following his appearance on Saturday.
The winner of The Archer receives a ballot exemption for the Melbourne Cup.
"He'll go to The Archer and then we'll reassess where we are then," McEvoy stated.
"The Caulfield Cup, it is a big step, but we've put him in and he's a handy little stayer."
"We saw last year where they can come from, but at this stage we're thinking Saturday and then into The Archer."
Craig Williams is set to ride Nearco Frod again on Saturday, having partnered the stayer to victory in two consecutive races at Sandown.
Blake Shinn’s first win after returning from injury came aboard Nearco Frod when the horse was successful at Flemington in his latest performance. Consider the online bookmakers for the latest Melbourne Cup odds.
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