Doc Chasing Second Manikato Stakes Crown

Calvin McEvoy believes Hey Doc is on track to win his second Manikato Stakes after two runs back from a spell but he envisages a different scenario in terms of how the horse might achieve it.

Three years ago as a three-year-old, Hey Doc used his speed to lead throughout and win the 1200 metre Group One race.

On Friday night, McEvoy said the race contained some very fast horses such as Pippie, Splintex and Bella Vella and predicted Hey Doc could camp off them.

“We could take a sit behind them. By the same token if he steps from the barrier and nothing else wants to take it up he can lead,” McEvoy said.

“Pippie is such a fast horse but she’s more a 1000 metre to 1100 metre horse. I’d say she’s suspect over 1200 metres.”

McEvoy said Hey Doc was ready to peak after two runs back from a spell as a six-year-old and he could not fault him.

“His two runs have been good. He was trapped wide first up at Moonee Valley over 1000 metres and then last start he finished close-up behind Dirty Work at Caulfield over 1100 metres,” McEvoy said.

“He’s looking for 1200 metres.”

McEvoy was happy with Hey Doc’s work at Moonee Valley on Tuesday and said he was ready to perform.

His jockey Luke Currie said Hey Doc had finally matured and was a more relaxed racehorse.

McEvoy confirmed they were aiming Hey Doc at the Group One Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot on November 28, a race he won last year.