Arabella a star

Arabella Star overcame two pieces of interference mid-race before scoring an impressive victory at bet365 Park Kilmore on Cup day, Sunday, November 23.

The three-year-old filly, trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, was having just her second start in the Beraldo Coffee 3YO Maiden (1100m).

Winning jockey Luke Currie said it had been an excellent victory by Arabella Star.

“She jumped quite well and took up a nice spot,” Currie said.

“I didn’t want to bustle her, but I wanted to be a bit handy because she was a bit stickier out last time.

“We were having a good run then the horse Teo (Nugent) was on got charging on him, came out underneath us so I let it go and ducked back behind.

“Then, I was back in behind Declan (Bates), and he checked and I had to check off his heels.

“I decided to cut back in, change course and quicken up from there.

“She did a good job because I then had to ask her to go really quick and she did.

“She has still got to learn a bit, got to mature a bit as she is a bit uptight, but it was a nice effort today.”

Arabella Star ($9) sprinted home from fifth in the field of eight coming on the inside to win by half a length from Taupe ($4.80) with Apres ($8) a similar margin away third.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell Racing, also believes Arabella Star can continue through the grades.

“She was strong late,” Moore said.

“It was a fantastic result for the connections and there were plenty on course to see the win.

“They are all part of the DJR Racing Syndications. Dan Romeo does a wonderful job, a Ballarat local, and it is our first winner for him, hopefully, there are many more to come.

“Arabella Star is a little bit of a feisty filly.

“She was on her toes a bit today again.

“She has been a long time off the scene, so it was good to see her bounce back like that today.

“I think she will learn her craft a bit more from today’s race and I think there is a lot more in store for her.”