All the way for Marina Di Campo

Improving filly Marina Di Campo gave her rivals a galloping lesson at Ballarat on Friday, March 7.

Bringing up a double for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy and jockey Harry Coffey, Marina Di Campo landed some good bets firming from $2.70 into $1.90 favourite in the Brandt Maiden (1400m).

The trainer and jockey combined to win with Altermatum in the previous event which was a complete opposite to this victory.

Coffey allowed Marina Di Campo to find the front and set up a good lead and the filly was never challenged.

She was eased down to win by three lengths from Mr Butt’s Boats ($21) with On The Move ($10), 1-1/4 lengths away third.

The filly’s major opposition, according to the betting, Paythebelievers, stood in the gates and did not take part in the race.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy, taking time out from his 30th birthday celebrations, admitted Marina Di Campo was surprising him.

“She was very impressive,” McEvoy said.

“I have got to say I didn’t have much of an expectation of this filly going into her first run at Terang.

“She hadn’t shown us a huge amount at home but well done to Darren Thomas and Pilko (Mark Pilkington), they have been patient as they always are – they are terrific people to train for.

“Hopefully that makes Thommo feel a little bit better, he is laid up at home on the couch.

“Marina Di Campo might go through her grades now. She has been a filly that has been green and that is why we put the shades on her.

“She has been on and off the bridle and been a work in progress.

“To his credit, Harry (Coffey) has said she has given him a decent enough feel, but I have been more on the negative side. Hopefully, she can continue to prove me wrong.

“She ran away with it today.

“We have always thought she might get over a bit of ground, and she still might.

“She has got speed, puts herself up on the pace and she was pretty tough today and they weren’t catching her.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said Marina Di Campo had won in a breeze, and he had not been aware of the second favourite staying in the gates.

“I had no idea until I pulled up,” Coffey said. “I saw a horse near the clerk of the course, and I thought something had happened.

“Then it hit me it might have been my biggest rival because no-one got near me in the race.

“Obviously, I didn’t know about that, I just rode my filly.

“I got a very easy time in front and built up the tempo.

“She knew where she was on her home track, so I gave them a good slip around the bend, and she was too hard to catch.

“She is still very green and isn’t that great at relaxing just yet, so we went to Terang, and she landed in a forward position, had to do a little bit of work then the leader made it a true test from about the 600.

“I had to really chase him, and just being her first start and green, she was left wanting.

“I though the effort had plenty of credit whereas today she landed in front in a low-pressure event, controlled it and quickened on her home track. It was a completely different dynamic which suited her as lot better.
“I would love for her to get a sit in a truly run race and she will learn as bit more – but things are going well.”