Aqueduct on right path

Aqueduct overcame a slight scare early in the home straight before winding up a comfortable winner at Sportsbet Ballarat Synthetic on Friday, June 27.

After jumping well, jockey John Allen had Aqueduct travelling well, third on the fence in the Manhari Maiden (1000m), but when the field turned he found himself hemmed in a pocket.

But approaching the 200m mark, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained three-year-old found an opening.

Allen drove Aqueduct ($2.10 fav) through, and the gelding sprinted strongly to win by 1-1/2 lengths from Breeches ($12) with Hi Tiago ($8), 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell Racing, said Aqueduct had lived up to expectations, even allowing for a slight holdup.

“Johnny (John Allen) had a lapful of horse turning for home,” Moore said.

“The race didn’t go to plan as we thought he would lead and control the race.

“It was good to see him take the sit and handle the kick back.

“He switched off really well and just needed a bit of luck. He was really good through the line, so I think he will go on with it.

“You always back Johnny Allen in, and I always thought he would find a run.

“Last prep Aqueduct was very immature, but he has taken some giant strides today.

“We will probably take him through the grades here during the synthetic season, he handles it really well.”

Winning jockey John Allen said he had never been too worried on Aqueduct.

“I thought we might nearly lead today,” Allen said.

“He stepped okay but there was good pressure, and I didn’t mind following the other two fancied horses in the race.

“He travelled well and once he got out he picked up good.

“Once we turned in I could see the leader struggling a bit, so I came off and tracked the horse outside the leader and it gave a nice kick, and we got through.

“Aqueduct has been a good trial horse but just needed a bit of time to work it out on raceday.

“It was as good win.”