Grand Scholar to decide her own destiny, says trainer Tony McEvoy

Tony McEvoy says his smart filly Grand Scholar remains on track for her grand final in eight days, but it’s time for her step up and a poor barrier at the Gold Coast on Saturday will provide a decent test for her.

Grand Scholar tests her Magic Millions credentials and takes the next step to what trainer Tony McEvoy ultimately expects to be stakes success when she runs in Saturday’s $250,000 Rising Stars (F & M) on the Gold Coast.

McEvoy had contemplated scratching Grand Scholar on Saturday after she drew off the track and he did intend to inspect the track, but late on Friday said he was very likely to press ahead with a start.

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“I think we will run. She’s got speed. I’m still waiting to see the map from my form guys to see what’s under her, but she’s fast,” McEvoy said.

Grand Scholar, winner of three from three this time in including a last start six lengths Moonee Valley romp, has been heavily backed to win on Saturday, firming from $2.90 to $2.25 with Ladbrokes, with punters clearly unperturbed by the bad gate.

“She’s coming through those smaller races nicely and it’s time for her to step up,” McEvoy said.

“Her run last prep behind the good filly of Snowdens (Missile Mantra) showed us we have a good quality filly and she hasn’t displeased us at all this time.

“She’s been pretty protected with what we’ve run her in, but this is a different level now what we’re going to, but she’s up to stakes class for sure.”

Grand Scholar salutes at Moonee Valley on December 6. Picture: Getty Images

Grand Scholar holds nominations for the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) and F & M (1300m) next week, with a run dependent on how she performs on Saturday.

Grand Scholar did have one run in Queensland last winter, where she failed in the BRC Sires, but her trainer says she’s a different horse now.

“She pulled up a bit sore after that race. It was a bit soon for her. She’s matured a lot since then,” he said.

McEvoy also has Lopez and Bribery bidding for starts in next week’s 2YO Magic Millions Classic when they run in the Gold Pearl on Saturday.

The trainer believes Lopez is the more talented of the pair, but needs to amend the poor manners which cost her on debut last month.

Trainer Tony McEvoy has high hopes for Grand Scholar.

“The run the other day was a little out of left field. In her trials and jumpouts at home she’s been faultless, but she got very antsy in the barriers the other day and that was the end of her race,” he said.

“She’s a quality filly, drawn well. How well she’s handling herself on the day will determine how well she runs, but she has a bit of class.

“The other filly (Bribery) is very professional and did everything right in Adelaide. Whether she has the class of the other filly … at trackwork she hasn’t, but manners win a lot of races.”

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