A recent expansion into Sydney might just be the start of a new era in the training career of Tony McEvoy.

Long associated with racing's famous Hayes family, the South Australian-based McEvoy ventured out on his own almost three years ago and was rewarded last season when he captured his first Adelaide premiership as a trainer in his own right.

Three weeks ago, he set up a satellite stable in Sydney, hoping it would help him target the most suitable races for his horses.

He struck almost immediately when Mouro won the Rowley Mile and McEvoy's emerging presence will again be evidenced this weekend when he starts runners in four states - NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

"When I trained for David (Hayes) I think I had runners in four states but since I've been training on my own it's the first time," McEvoy said.

"It just shows that I can target all the races anywhere and it means I've got the right people in the right places to be able to do it."

Among McEvoy's weekend team is Sky Raider, who contests the Listed McKell Cup (2400m) at Randwick.

He comes into Saturday's feature after going down in a head-bobbing finish to Thubiaan over 2800m at Flemington last start.

The form out of that race was underlined when fourth placegetter Unchain My Heart subsequently won the Andrew Ramsden Stakes.

Sky Raider drops 2kg to 54.5kg in the McKell and McEvoy is upbeat about his chances.

"The older he's got, the better he's got," McEvoy said.

"He is very genuine, he gives 100 per cent every time and he can stay."

Heavy rain in Sydney this week will ensure the Randwick meeting is run on a wet track.

That holds no fears for McEvoy who says Sky Raider can handle all but bottomless ground.

Nor is he perturbed by the small field.

The gelding has a versatile racing pattern and McEvoy will have no qualms if jockey Adam Hyeronimus opts to dictate from the front.

"He is pretty effective anywhere. If there was no pace and he ended up there I'd be happy," McEvoy said.

"I don't think we'd send him out to lead but he's proven to be effective forward and back."

McEvoy said Sky Raider could stick around for the Stayers Cup (3200m) at Randwick two weeks from Saturday while the Group Two Brisbane Cup (3200m) on the same day is also an option.

One horse who won't be going to Queensland is Scone Cup runner-up Mouro with McEvoy confirming he has been spelled with a view to the spring.

AAP TURF mc