Current 2017 Caulfield Guineas favourite Royal Symphony started his spring build up with an easy jumpout at Flemington on Friday.
The Tony McEvoy-trained colt was in the first heat of the morning over 800m, finishing three lengths behind the Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Spring Choice in 49.17 seconds.
A step slow to begin, Royal Symphony was always under a good hold from Dwayne Dunn and while the overall performance pleased, his trainer would prefer to see a sharper start.
"I'd have liked to see him jump from the gates a bit better," McEvoy said. "He has always stepped a little slow although Dwayne (Dunn) said he was a lot better today."
Royal Symphony has won all three of his starts and last raced on July 8 when winning the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final by 4 1/4-lengths over 1600m.
McEvoy has nominated the Listed Exford Plate over 1400m at Flemington on September 16 as the first start back for Royal Symphony.
"His base fitness is still there so it's not going to take much to get him back up to race fitness," McEvoy said.
"He looks a bit soft at the moment but he wasn't out there to do much at all. He's got a long spring ahead of him, culminating I hope in the Caulfield Guineas, so he's where I'd like him to be at this point.
"He had a little freshen since the last win and it certainly helped him mentally."
Royal Symphony is $6 favourite with Sportsbet for the 2017 Caulfield Guineas.
You can watch the jumpout below, Royal Symphony in the white jacket, blue cap.
