Trainer Robbie Laing has never been afraid to tilt at windmills and will pitch promising colt Frankel My Dear straight into stakes class at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The three-year-old son of Frankel debuted over 1000m at Flemington on August 5 and was beaten 1-3/4 lengths into fifth behind Azazel, who he will meet again in Saturday's Listed Mitchell McKenzie Stakes over 1200m.
Laing added to Frankel My Dear's experience by travelling to Moonee Vally on Tuesday to work, galloping in partnership with the older Missrock.
"His work this morning was really good and he's improving all the time," Laing said.
"Three months ago he was flat winning a trial and an average one, not even a good one but he's just improved and improved.
"He ran a couple of seconds in trials then a won a trial and his run the other day was really good."
Laing said he was pleasantly surprised with the way Frankel My Dear coped galloping with the older mare.
"He's improved again and he really stuck it to Missrock this morning," McEvoy said.
"She's a good track worker and with the trip away from home they were both wide awake and found a bit in their work.
"On one hand he's race fit and she's still a way away but she's a Group One mare that was runner-up in the Goodwood at her last start so she's not a bad guide."
Laing has Caulfield Guineas ambitions for Frankel My Dear and is looking forward to stretching the colt out in trip.
"The 1200m on Saturday will be up his alley and with his rate of improvement this will give us a good idea of where he's at in a stakes race," Laing said.
"I didn't panic with him and just kept training him like I normally would and he's just turned it around on his own.
"The only time he's been a dill was when he ran at Flemington - he didn't know where he was and just lost his composure but he's been well behaved here today.
"When he furnishes I really think he can win a major race in the autumn - but I wouldn't say no to winning a nice race in the spring!"
Laing is now leaning towards starting Missrock in the Listed Carlyon Stakes over 1000m at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The four-year-old has not raced at Moonee Valley in her previous 14 races and has not started since finishing runner-up to Vega Magic in the Group I Goodwood at Morphettville on May 20.
"It's just been that wet down our way and we haven't been able to get as many grass gallops as we'd have liked," Laing said.
"She'll be a run short Saturday but good horses can do special things and she's a good horse.
"I'd like to come back here for the Moir (Stakes) later on so the practice on the course will help her."
