Bunjil a beauty

Talented three-year-old Bunjil broke through for his maiden victory at TAB Park Werribee on Sunday, December 18.

Backed from $2.60 into $1.30 favourite, Bunjil was given a perfect ride by Dean Holland in winning the IRT Maiden (1400m).

The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding settled one-out, one-back before Holland asked him to improve turning for home.

On the line, he had a half-length to spare from Brave But Crackers ($61) with Hibernia Queen ($101) a head away third.

Despite the small margin, both stable foreman Finn McCarthy, and jockey Dean Holland, believe Bunjil has a lot to offer going forward.

McCarthy said today’s win had been expected.

“It was great to see him get across the line in front today,” McCarthy said.

“He came through his first up run really well and we were expecting him to go close.

“He was short enough today, but he got the job done thankfully, it is great.

“He goes pretty good. After that first up run, he has really improved since that race.

“He’s still holding onto his winter coat a little bit, so I think there is improvement left in him.”

McCarthy said trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy would decide his next run after seeing how he pulled up.

Jockey Dean Holland believes Bunjil can develop into a smart horse.

“He run last time was quite good when I rode him a bit quieter,” Holland said.

“I rode him to finish off, and he did, but peaked on his run.

“He was ready to go today.

“He had a lovely run, stepped great, but I didn’t want to give away my position behind the leaders because I thought he would be too good, and he was.

“Bunjil did a few things wrong, like when I cornered he wobbled, didn’t quite know how to chase the leader.

“Once he got his head in front he put them away, but I still felt he was floating in second gear.

“There is plenty of improvement there, fitness wise, experience and his coat still hasn’t come through, so I think he is going to be a nice horse in the future.

“I think he will also improve when he gets out over more ground.”