McEvoy's most recent Cup win came in 2018 aboard Cross Counter, but the now Sydney-based hoop says it was his first win in the great race in 2000 - riding Brew - that propelled his career in the saddle.
"It changed my career, and changed my life," McEvoy said.
"It's still quite vivid in the memory, it was a special day that's for sure, really did zoom me off into my senior career as a jockey."
This time around McEvoy will steer local hope Grand Promenade, from the red-hot Ciaron Maher-David Eustace team and after more than two decades of experience, the Streaky Bay-born hoop is unfazed by a wide barrier (21).
"My horse has got good gate speed, he has the pace if I choose to use it to get a spot," he said.
"First thing that springs to mind is to be patient, it's a long way around there at Flemington and it's a very tactical race.
"Go out with a plan, but to be fluid at the same time because our races are forever changing and evolving and especially so over two miles at Flemington.
"There's a few jockeys having their first ride in the race, so that could create a few little bumps along the way."
And while much of the attention in the lead-up to the Cup has been focused on raging favourite Incentivise, McEvoy knows when the gates fly open all the hype gets left behind.
"It's nice to have Incentivise somewhere near me, and he's obviously the one to beat," McEvoy said.
"You have to ride your own horse to your strength and capabilities.
"Hopefully it can be a nice, smoothly run race and the best horse wins."
