McEvoy to gauge promising Plague Stone

In-form jockey Kerrin McEvoy will run the rule over another promising two-year-old when he rides Godolphin colt Plague Stone for the first time in the Blue Diamond Prelude at Caulfield.

Since returning last week from a hand injury, McEvoy has saluted on Chris Waller-trained juveniles Performer and Fiesta at Rosehill on Saturday and Zousain at Randwick on Wednesday.

McEvoy added a midweek quartet to his four wins at Rosehill and now has an opportunity to transfer that form to Melbourne on Saturday.

Plague Stone stood out for McEvoy after he rode the colt in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm last week, the final tune-up before his first trip south.

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The runner-up to Secret Lady when making his debut in the Golden Gift at Rosehill in November, Plague Stone won the trial by 4-3/4 lengths to indicate his readiness for his Caulfield assignment.

“He’s still learning his caper, but he’s got good ability,” McEvoy said.

“He still needs to learn how to use the energy properly. He’s still just a little bit keen and aggressive.”

Godolphin head trainer James Cummings agreed.

“He’s a fascinating horse. You’d swear he was a five-year-old gelding the way he’s so relaxed around the stable but when the gates open he switches straight on and wants to utilise his speed,” Cummings said.