Gallop has McEvoy pair ready for Moonee Valley on Saturday

Darryl Sherer - Tuesday August 22

One of his best track workers gave trainer Tony McEvoy a guide on the progress of a last start winner at Moonee Valley on Tuesday.

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Roomooz (outside) and Azazel towards the finish of their gallop on Tuesday. Photo: Darryl Sherer

McEvoy paired Azazel with Roomooz in a gallop over 1000m and was satisfied after watching them quicken up comfortably over the last 400m in 24.61 seconds.

"She (Roomooz) is one of the best workers in the stable so to see him (Azazel) work like that has me very happy with both of them," McEvoy said.

Both three-year-olds are intended runners on Saturday, Azazel in the Listed Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) and Roomooz to resume in the Three-Year-Old Fillies Plate over 1200m

Azazel won first-up over 1000m at Flemington on August 5 and McEvoy said the son of Snitzel has thrived since.

"He won here on debut and I was keen to get him back to the course for another look - that work was just what I was wanting to see," McEvoy said.

"He was nice and sharp and has made good improvement from his last start - he's come in the coat, is stronger and feeling very well in himself.

"He's a big gross colt and we have to watch his weight so racing is good for him."

Azazel has not raced beyond 1100m but McEvoy feels the extra distance of Saturday's race will suit.

"I've always wanted to get him out in trip and I'm looking forward to seeing him on Saturday," McEvoy said.

"He's from a stout Aga Khan family on his female side and my plan is to get him to the Caulfield Guineas but we'll see what happens on Saturday."

Tuesday was the first time at Moonee Valley for Roomooz and McEvoy said he is glad he resisted the temptation to start the daughter of Fastnet Rock last Saturday at Caulfield.

"I was thinking of starting there in the Quezette (Stakes) but when I saw Catchy was going to run I asked myself if she needed a test like that first-up," McEvoy said.

"I'm glad we didn't go as the extra week has done her the world of good."

Winner on debut at Morphettville over 1000m, Roomooz has not raced since finishing eighth to Catchy in the Group I Blue Diamond Stakes in February but looked sharp in a recent 800m jumpout at Flemington.

"She's physically a better filly this time around and I'm very pleased with her," McEvoy said. "Luke (Currie) said she was comfortable on the course and racegoers will see a better filly here on Saturday than in the autumn - she's ready to go." McEvoy said.

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