Trainer Tony McEvoy admits he has been mystified by Mouro's recent performances but a subtle gear change could provide a form turnaround at Hawkesbury on Saturday.

After resuming with a Group Three win in Melbourne, Mouro has finished down the track in two Sydney autumn carnival runs.

Track conditions towards both ends of the ratings spectrum contributed to his below-par efforts but McEvoy still felt the horse was disappointing, particularly in the Doncaster Mile when he was beaten 16 lengths on a heavy track.

"(Jockey) Luke Nolen said he wasn't great in the ground but he gave up without a fight," McEvoy said.

"I've been right over him and the horse is perfect.

"I've just put it down to the heavy track and I have to trust him. He may have been a bit coltish in the Doncaster as well."

Mouro will get the chance to reward his trainer's faith in the Group Three Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) at Saturday's stand-alone meeting.

McEvoy has swapped blinkers for winkers and has a new jockey in Tim Clark who galloped the horse for the first time on Tuesday, giving him his seal of approval.

A trip to Brisbane has already been ruled out but Mouro will be on trial for another shot at the Scone Cup in which he was narrowly defeated by Speediness last year.

The import is one of three stakes runners for McEvoy at Hawkesbury along with The Messina Nymph in the Darley Crown and Kayjay's Joy in the Guineas, a race reduced to 14 runners with the early scratchings of Beauty's Beast and Choice Larga.

McEvoy hopes to get a better gauge on Kayjay's Joy after her narrow second at Newcastle at her first run for the stable.

The Messina Nymph, stakes placed in Melbourne during the spring, scored a first-up provincial win although she will have to take on a field of tough, seasoned mares including Plucky Belle and Lilliburlero.

"I'm setting her a bit of a task on Saturday but it's the type of class I think she will be up to," McEvoy said.

"She is probably still a year away physically but she's got a big motor."