Trainer Tony McEvoy will let the dust settle before deciding on a spring program for his Group 2 Stutt Stakes winner Hey Doc.

The Victorian-bred son of Duporth lifted to another level over 1600m at Moonee Valley on Friday night and connections are in two minds whether to back him up in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) this Saturday.

“That was his first run for a month so he was entitled to get a bit tired over the final stages,” McEvoy said after his charge completed a hat-trick.  “He worked really well here earlier in the week so I expected him to prove hard to beat.”

McEvoy is leaning towards a start in the Caulfield Guineas but the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) is another option on Cox Plate Day.

“The horse is thriving and he really impressed me on Friday night.  I think we probably nearly have to go to the Guineas but he is unbeaten at the Valley.

“I will talk with Luke (Currie) about whether the horse is looking for further.  There is a bit of staying blood in his family and there’s always the option of getting ready for the Victoria Derby.”

Gippsland-based Adrian Hall bred Hey Doc from Adelaide winner Heyington Honey (General Nediym) and sold him through Rosemont Stud for $85,000 at the 2015 Inglis Premier yearling sale.  He’s paid that back with interest banking over $300,000 including VOBIS bonuses of $62,500.

Hall has a handful of broodmares at his property in Yarram.  “Hey Doc was catalogued in Premier II but Tony liked the look of him,” Hall recalled.  “Breeding and racing horses can be tough at times so I’m glad I kept a share in Hey Doc.”