Aten brings up treble

First season apprentice Margaret Collett had an enormous thrill to guide Aten to victory for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy at Gawler on Easter Monday, April 13.

It was Collett’s first ride for the stable and brought up a Gawler treble for the trainers following victories by Turf Burner and Game Keeper, the latter in the feature Cornerstone Stud Barossa Cup.

A speedy filly, Aten ($2.25 fav) scored a length win in the Coopers Brewery Class Two Handicap (1100m) from Antrim’s Secret ($4.40) with Mrs Hyde ($2.70), 4-1/2 lengths away third.

The three-year-old filly began well but found the third placegetter kicking through to lead so Collett was happy to sit second.

Rounding the home turn, she gave Aten some rein and the filly bounded to the front and raced clear to win nicely.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy gave Collett praise.

“She rode Aten perfectly,” McEvoy said.

“Marg always was in control and the filly did the job.

“We’ve actually had Aten ready for more than a week, but she has been drawing poorly so we waited until today.

“She is a filly with a few minor issues, but she also has been slow to mature.

“We think she might be right now and are looking forward to her campaign.

“Last preparation she finished only 2-1/2 lengths behind Loving Gaby at Moonee Valley in a Group 3 race so there is no doubting her talent.”

Aten, by Fighting Sun, now has three wins and a second from just eight starts.

The filly is owned by Pipeliner Bloodstock, managed by Wayne Mitchell. She cost McEvoy Mitchell just $40,000 at the 2018 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.