Aqueduct bridges gap

Aqueduct made it two wins from as many starts this preparation with a tough win on the Sportsbet Ballarat Synthetic on Tuesday, July 15.

After sitting second early in the Hygain Winners Choice Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m), the three-year-old finished best to grab a long neck victory.

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, Aqueduct ($3 fav) was ridden by John Allen in beating In Love ($3.40) with Pianist ($26), 2-1/2 lengths away third.

The gelding jumped well and settled second outside In Love but was left one-paced when the leader accelerated turning for home however he responded to Allen’s hard riding to loom up and snatch a win.

Both his wins have been on the Ballarat Synthetic.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said Aqueduct was capable of stepping up in grade and onto a grass track.

“He needed every bit of that 1000 metres,” McEvoy said.

“I was a little bit nervous about keeping him at the trip but thankfully he got the job done.

“It was great to get a win for the Herodicus Racing Syndicate, they are supporters of the stable.

“There is a bit of a funny story with this horse, he was online and didn’t get a lot of money and we ended getting the local plumber, local copper, local doctor and everyone involved.

“He let us down a few times to begin with but is making up for it now.

“Aqueduct is a progressive young horse and will get a bit further.

“We will step him up now and find a grass track for him.”

Winning jockey John Allen said Aqueduct was gaining confidence with his wins.

“It was a good effort again,” Allen said.

“He won well here at the 1000 (metres) last time and we got the job done again.

“This horse is looking super, a bit like Calvin (McEvoy) after he came back from his European trip.

“A good, tough effort, the horse is racing in good form – he seems to appreciate the surface.

“He has attacked the line good in his past two runs, you would think he would have no issues getting over 1100 or 1200 metres.

“He is getting into a winning habit and that is a good thing.”