Hey Doc winning the 2020 Manikato Stakes (Image: Racing Photos)
A dominant veteran of Australian sprint racing, Hey Doc must be respected as he looks to add a fifth Group 1 at the same track as two of his other top-flight triumphs.
That's the view of co-trainer Calvin McEvoy and one no doubt shared within the industry as the seven-year-old heads second-up into the William Reid Stakes at his ideal trip of 1200 metres.
"I thought his exhibition gallop at Moonee Valley on Saturday was as good as I've seen the horse work there," said McEvoy, who trains in partnership with his father Tony.
"We don't work him in company because nothing can stay with him if he really wants to blow it but, at the same time, he can get a little bit casual, but he certainly wasn't casual on Saturday.
"It was a beautiful piece of work and I think he's improved since that bit of work."
Hey Doc won last year's G1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley third-up and then spelled after his fourth-up run, a fifth in the VRC Sprint where Bivouac blew the competition away.
He resumed in the Listed Bob Hoysted on February 27, lugging 63kg over 1000m up the Flemington straight.
"He's obviously still second-up, so his recent record would suggest that he probably needs another run, but obviously timing didn't quite work in his favour," McEvoy said.
"He did win the Winterbottom second-up off a long spell so I am pretty confident he can run well in what is a very strong race."
Hey Doc will jump from barrier five with the main speed seemingly on his outside in the form of Pippie (8) and Indian Pacific (14).
"I think it's a really good barrier for him, he's quick but there does look a lot of speed there so I'm hoping he'll be just behind those leaders," McEvoy said.
Regardless of Friday night's result, Hey Doc will likely head to Adelaide for the G1 Goodwood.