A gallop between races at Moonee Valley has trainer Tony McEvoy in bullish mood about the chances of Hey Doc in Saturday's Group I Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
Partnered by Luke Currie, Hey Doc worked off from the 1200m and was casual through the first 400m before building to be sharp in the home straight, hand timed to run the trip in 1:17.33 seconds with the last 400m in 23.72 and galloping three metres off the rail.
Hey Doc led most of the way to win the Group III Aurie's Star Handicap over 1200m at Flemington first-up on August 12 and McEvoy said he was delighted with the progress of the four-year-old.
"He's relaxing better and better which is good to see, if I had a criticism of him last year it was that he could get up over racing sometimes and be a bit keen," McEvoy said.
"To see him relax like he is now, it's perfect for where we are heading.
"His action looked beautiful, he's pulled up nice and clean and looks pretty pleased with himself."
McEvoy said Hey Doc will have a quiet time in the lead up to the first Group I race of the season in Melbourne.
"I'll do a little bit with him during the week and that will clean him up for the Caulfield race," McEvoy said.
"Luke is happy with him and I'm very happy with him."
