Frustrating galloper Misty Eyes can earn a place among trainer Tony McEvoy's growing team of stayers if he can improve on a first-up Sydney run at Canterbury on Wednesday.

Without being given a typical stayers' preparation, Misty Eyes steps out to a middle distance for only the second time in his career in the Canterbury Park Handicap (1900m).

It's a move McEvoy is hoping can help end a run of outs for Misty Eyes who has gone winless in eight starts since an Adelaide victory in May.

The trainer is banking on the stamina of Misty Eyes' sire, the Victoria Derby winner Blackfriars, to count for something.

"I must admit he's been a little bit frustrating. He's consistent but he doesn't win often enough," McEvoy said.

"I've taken the view he's by Blackfriars and I thought it's time to step out and try him out over a further distance.

"That's why we're going to new territory on Wednesday.

"If he showed to me he can handle this trip then next preparation I can train him as a stayer."

McEvoy's NSW stable has enjoyed a solid start to the year with former French galloper Kourkam winning first-up over 1800m at Hawkesbury last week as part of a double at the provincial meeting.

His team of horses who have already proven their worth over longer distances include autumn carnival hopefuls Le Roi, Mouro and Sysmo.

With Christian Reith keeping the ride, Misty Eyes is one of the outsiders at Canterbury but the five-year-old drops back to midweek racing after having to change course late in the race won by Almighty Charge at Randwick on January 18.

His form in three states since resuming in Adelaide in October includes a Flemington placing in a race for grey-coloured horses during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

"He's been in work a long time but you wouldn't know it looking at him. He's been acting right and he's very well," McEvoy said.