Bertrand sets sail

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy hold good hopes for developing stayer Bertrand following his maiden win at Hanging Rock on Australia Day, Monday, January 26.

A red hot $1.60 favourite, Bertrand scored a half-length win in the bet365 Same Race Multi Maiden (1600m) beating Born Survivor ($2.40) with Fire Band ($31) a length away third.

Jockey Jake Duffy was able to angle the three-year-old into a one-out, one-back trailing position early before coming up wide turning for home.

He hit the front then had to withstand a late challenge from the runner up.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell Racing, said Bertrand was still a work in progress but it was good to win a race on Australia Day.

“We purchased him from the Karaka Yearling Sales in New Zealand knowing he was going to take a bit of time,” Moore said.

“A great group of owners have been really patient with him and hopefully now they are going to be rewarded.

“I’m not sure Hanging Rock was a track to suit him being tight and a bit undulating, but he did a good job, and it was nice to win at just his second start.

“It was a great ride by Jake (Duffy), and he gave the horse every chance.

“Tony & Calvin believe he will be even better at 2000 metres and further and we are sure he will continue to improve with racing.”

The winner is named after a former Australian of the Year, John Bertrand and is well named being out of the mare Pretty To Sea.

Winning jockey Jake Duffy said Bertrand was still inexperienced.

“I think he will improve with a tongue tie, but I think Tony & Calvin know that,” Duffy said.

“I think that will help him, especially at the finish of his races.

“I had to do a bit of work around the first turn to get a good trailing position.

“He struggled coming up the hill to the home turn.

“I was constantly at him just to keep him on the bridle.

“He gave a good kick in the home straight but then started to look around once he hit the front.

“Bertrand will get 2000 metres, but we need him to get breathing a bit better to get that trip.

“He will improve with racing.”