Adelaide first for the McEvoys
The new training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy had its first Adelaide success when Shop Til I Drop produced another amazing finish to win at Morphettville Park on Saturday, September 7.
Father and son, Tony and Calvin, had their first runners together at Sandown in Melbourne on Wednesday and came away with a double so it was good to have their first city winner in Adelaide.
But it wasn’t until Shop Til I Drop came with another incredible sprint to win the MJS Floorcoverings Benchmark 70 Handicap (1950m).
The four-year-old mare made it three wins straight, and in each of those victories, charged home to win with authority.
Superbly ridden by Barend Vorster, Shop Til I Drop ($2.90 eq. fav) scored going away by a length from Akamon ($2.60) with Dr Dependable ($2.90 eq. fav), 1-3/4 lengths away third.
Co-trainer Calvin McEvoy was delighted for the stable’s first Adelaide success.
“It was great to have our first Adelaide winner,” McEvoy said.
“It was good to have the win for great stable supporters Linda and Graham Huddy who own the mare.
“It was another fantastic ride by Barend.
“He took his medicine early settling back in the field before weaving his way through the field.
“In the home straight he got her into the clear and she let down beautifully.
“The mare has done a great job – it is hard to win three races in a row, but she has done it.”
Winning jockey Barend Vorster said pre-race he had been a bit worried about the race.
“Looking at the speed maps, the other two horses in the market were always going to be out in front,” Vorster said.
“They looked like they would get good runs with nothing to take them on.
“I had to ride my horse, trust her and ride her patiently.
“I knew there was a bit of a head wind, so I had to wait, wait, wait.
“When I asked her the question she was there, and it was a good win.
“I knew the turn of foot she has, so I snuck up and snuck up she is all heart.
“Tony and Calvin are doing the right thing placing her in the right races.”
Vorster said it was an interesting question as to what trip she might get after winning over 1600m, 1800m and now 1950m.
“She switches off completely, plods along, then when you ask the question she is there.
“It will be interesting to see where we go from here.”