Ambassadorial has emerged as a standout performer since linking up with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy operation.
He began his racing journey under Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott before spending time with Alex Rae at Cranbourne, switching trainers once more.
The gelding secured three victories in 12 outings with Waterhouse and Bott, then went without a win in eight runs under Rae, though he notched some placings at Moonee Valley.
In his five appearances for the McEvoy father-son duo, Ambassadorial has filled a placing every time, with his most recent trio of races all resulting in triumphs.
The horse aims to extend that winning streak this Saturday in the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m).
Beyond the $180,000 top prize, success in the Mornington Cup grants the victor a ballot waiver for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this October.
Saturday marks uncharted territory for Ambassadorial at 2400m, yet his latest three successes for the McEvoys came over 2000m, featuring the Group 3 Easter Cup in his latest effort on April 4.
Calvin McEvoy noted that Ambassadorial had recovered ‘perfect’ from that outing and now is the ideal moment to test the distance, particularly with the Caulfield Cup exemption on offer.
“He’s come through it (the Easter Cup) really well,” McEvoy said.
“He’s come out of it better than he went into it.”
Although jumping from 2000m to 2400m might challenge some, McEvoy anticipates no issues for Ambassadorial, who has climbed from benchmark 70 level to open class this preparation and continues to elevate his form.
“He’s a lovely horse and the test will be the mile-and-a-half and I’m excited to see if he’ll handle it,” McEvoy said.
“(Being at) Mornington, the way he races, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but they gave him 15 points following that win, so there’s nowhere to hide now after winning that Group 3.”
The Mornington Cup features a line-up of 14 runners plus four emergencies, each pursuing that prized entry into the Caulfield Cup.
Bankers Choice, last year’s champion, returns with top weight of 60kg, up 3kg from his previous burden.
Contenders this time around feature Brayden Star, American Wolf and Immediacy from the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young yard, plus Easter Cup second Sea What I See.
Explore the top Australian betting sites for the best Mornington Cup odds.