Tony McEvoy is taking advantage of an off-season meeting at Moonee Valley to step two of his progressive young horses up in grade.

Niccoco and Otherwise Okay are making the trip from McEvoy's South Australian base at Angaston to contest restricted three-year-old races on Saturday.

Both are facing a rise in grade but McEvoy is confident they are ready for the trip to Melbourne.

And he said travelling the pair would stand the horses in good stead for the future.

Both three-year-olds began their careers at McEvoy's Hawkesbury stable before transferring to Adelaide.

"Travel is very good for these young horses," McEvoy said.

"It stimulates them and makes them grow.

"They've taken their time to figure it out a bit, but they're progressive horses and ready for the trip."

Otherwise Okay lines up in the Strathmore FC 2005 Premiers Handicap over 1600m and McEvoy suggests the son of Not A Single Doubt is unlucky not to be shaping up for a hat-trick of wins.

The gelding broke his maiden at Balaklava last month before a narrow defeat at Morphettville on Melbourne Cup day.

"Everyone in the stable thought he'd won last start except for the judge," McEvoy said.

"He charged home and just missed and it was a very good run.

"I think he's ready to take a step up and come across."

Niccoco is engaged in the McMahon's Dairy Handicap over 1200m and is coming off a maiden win at Morphettville on November 7.

The son of Nicconi was first-up in the Adelaide race and McEvoy said he had made good progress since the victory.

"This looks a nice race for him," McEvoy said.

"He's still on his way up and should be suited around the Valley."

Glen Boss has been booked to ride the pair on Saturday.