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Hawkes Racing will send two of its most talented stayers into feature races on seven-day back-ups in a move jockey Kerrin McEvoy hopes will prove a masterstroke.
Kerrin Mcevoy has no doubt Angel Of Truth can bounce out of his stoush with two of the best middle-distance horses in world racing to claim a maiden G1 win in the Tancred Stakes.
The gelding turned in one of the best performances of his career when he led last weekend's Ranvet Stakes field and fought on tenaciously for third behind Verry Elleegant and Addeybb.
He will back up in Saturday's 2400 metre assignment and while he again faces tough opposition in the form of Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet and proven Group One performers Melody Belle, Mirage Dancer and The Chosen One, McEvoy believes he is up to the task.
"He's tough and he doesn't mind getting up on the pace and even taking it up, which he did on the weekend," McEvoy said.
"He ran a great race and showed he is in good form.
"He can hold his form going out to 2400, which is a trip he has excelled at and won at previously."
McEvoy rode Angel Of Truth in the Ranvet, while Tommy Berry partnered stablemate Master Of Wine, who finished sixth.
Team Hawkes has decided to split the duo this week and with Berry suspended, McEvoy has picked up the plum mount on the latter in the Neville Sellwood Stakes (2000m).
Master Of Wine will likewise be on a quick back-up at Rosehill where he appears well placed under the set weights and penalties conditions.
"He ran against some of the best we've got on offer so coming back to 55-1/2 kilos and back in grade a bit, it looks a nice race for him," McEvoy said.
Master Of Wine was a clear-cut favourite with TAB fixed odds on Thursday while Angel Of Truth was an $8.50 chance for the Tancred Stakes.