For trainer Tony McEvoy there are good reasons for taking on star Sydney colt Pierro at Moonee Valley on Friday night, even if he doesn't necessarily expect to beat him.

McEvoy will line up Jimando in the Group Two Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at the Valley, a race that will determine the horse's spring future.

"If he's competitive against Pierro, we'll go to the Caulfield Guineas," McEvoy said.

"If not, it'll be the Derby."

McEvoy already has reservations about Jimando's chances in the Guineas where he will again meet Sydney triple crown winner Pierro.

And as pleased as he was with his colt's trial at Moonee Valley on Monday, he seems to be leaning toward the 2500m of the Victoria Derby.

"He just might not be sharp enough for the Guineas," he said.

"His dam's side has the Derby written all over it."

Jimando is by the ever-reliable Commands from the Irish mare Finko, a daughter of the noted sire of stayers Caerleon.

It is a pedigree that suggests Jimando should not have shown the early ability he did, winning Melbourne's first two-year-old race of last season.

"He didn't look like he'd be a two-year-old when I bought him and I think he's only just arriving as a horse," he said.

"By next autumn he'll be something else."

By modern standards it is rare that early juvenile winners are even racing as three-year-olds, let alone being considered as Derby contenders.

But Jimando is racing and winning, his effort to come off a four-week break to score over 1400m at Flemington last start indicating he is a cut above average.

"He'd missed a trial before that win, so it was very pleasing," he said.

"It really bought him on as well and to see him get around Moonee Valley as well as he did is very encouraging."

Jimando worked with stablemate Saint Desir, an entry in Friday's Group Three JRA Cup (2040m).