Boss home in nick of time
Bossy Nic had to overcome traffic issues before finishing powerfully to win the Mercedes Benz Mornington Handicap (1200m) at the King’s Birthday Holiday meeting on Monday, June 10.
After travelling third on the fence early, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained three-year-old filly was having trouble getting a clear run turning for home while the leader was heading for the winning post.
Apprentice rider Jaylah Kennedy didn’t lose her cool but worked Bossy Nic ($4) into the clear and the filly sprinted sharply to score a long neck win from Valois ($8) which was being hailed the winner. Treasurway ($14) also came home strongly to be three-quarters of a length away third.
Trainer Tony McEvoy said it had been ‘heart in mouth’ at the top of the home straight.
“She drew one and we thought she would map third the fence with the favourite in front,” McEvoy said.
“But that changed as the gates opened, and that is racing.
“Jaylah (Kennedy) is a very competent young rider.
“She didn’t panic, she just had to wait a little bit longer than she wanted but she got out and the filly was good enough.”
McEvoy said Bossy Nic would gain confidence from the win.
“She’ll be happy, we are happy and now we can go back to a Saturday race.
“This is a metro meeting, but we can go back to town, and I think 1200 metres is her trip.
“She is a big strong powerful filly with great depth, is lovely in the stables and so relaxed at home.
“I think there are two or three more runs in this preparation.”
Winning jockey Jaylah Kennedy admitted there were some issues turning for home.
“I just needed to get away from the horse that was in front of us, it was a bit wayward,” Kennedy said.
“Once I got clear of it I thought I was home and hosed.
“That was my 80th winner so I have outridden my country claim.
“I have been taking every opportunity as it came, and I am very grateful for the support.
“Tony and Calvin have been great to me, and we all have a laugh.
“It is good to get these types of results and have fun doing it.”