Pocket Rockets was the horse that earned Tony McEvoy a trip to the winner’s stall at Flemington but it was the effort of one of his unplaced runners that brought the biggest smile to the trainer’s face. Progressive stayer Pelicano indicated he has a productive Spring Racing Carnival ahead with a slashing effort in the $150,000 Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m).

The Court of Jewels gelding flashed home from last at the 150m to finish fourth, beaten just 1-1/4 lengths. A feature of the performance were the fastest last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m of the race, including an 11.98secs final furlong.

It was an effort that raised McEvoy’s hopes that the five-year-old may in fact be worthy of being directed towards the $2.5 million Group 1 BMW Caulfield Cup.

“This is a horse that’s really come from nowhere, he hasn’t got a real flash pedigree but he’s got great economics, he’s got great balance and rhythm and he’s really gone to another level I think,” McEvoy said on RSN’s Correct Weight.

“When you see him run past horses like Luckygray…he was really low-flying the last 50 yards.

“I think if I can place him correctly he’s in for a really good preparation. I put him in the Caulfield Cup because if you don’t put them in you’re not in, that’s probably a step too high, but you never know where these horses can come from.”

The Aurie’s Star was Pelicano’s first start since failing in the Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill on 30 March. Before that he recorded Listed wins in the Parramatta Cup (2000m) at Rosehill and the Birthday Stakes (2035m) at Morphettville.

Those victories are among eight wins from 17 starts for Pelicano, who finished second to King Diamond in last year’s Ballarat Cup.

Pelicano accompanies You Are My World as McEvoy’s entries for this year’s BMW Caulfield Cup. You Are My Word is a French import who has only had two starts, for a win over 1800m and a debut second, and was scratched from Newcastle yesterday.