Trainer Tony McEvoy says a second run at 1400m is what boom colt Royal Symphony requires to have him right for his next outing in the Group I Caulfield Guineas.
McEvoy said he abandoned plans to run Royal Symphony in Friday night's Group II Bill Stutt Stakes over 1600m at Moonee Valley and will send the three-year-old to Caulfield for the Group III Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Sunday (1400m).
McEvoy said Royal Symphony's post-race recovery from his outstanding win at Flemington last time out was the reason for the switch.
"I scrapped it (the Bill Stutt Stakes) because he just blew too hard," McEvoy said.
"He wasn't quite ready to go straight to the mile and I thought he needed another seven furlong, 1400m, race."
Royal Symphony had an exhibition gallop at Caulfield on September 2, which pleased McEvoy, but he said the son of Domesday would benefit from a race on the circuit before the Caulfield Guineas.
"He's just got to get around the track and have a bit of luck," McEvoy said.
Royal Symphony had a torrid time early after jumping from barrier five before recovering to win the Exford Plate at Flemington last time out and McEvoy said he would welcome a wider draw in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude.
"I'd prefer him to be drawn out and I've tried to get him to jump better and it hasn't worked so a bit more galloping room, the better," McEvoy said.
"He doesn't need the pace right on because he's got such a turn of foot."
McEvoy got his wish after Royal Symphony drew barrier 12 in the $175,000 contest.
Dwayne Dunn, whose wife Amanda is a part-owner of the horse, will stick with Royal Symphony on Sunday.
