Calvin’s birthday reward

A strong running performance resulted in Sensational Reward breaking through for his first win at Echuca on Sunday, March 7.

The victory was a timely birthday present for Calvin McEvoy who trains the three-year-old in partnership with his father Tony.

A solid $2.30 favourite, Sensational Reward exploded from the extreme outside gate of 10 in the Echuca Newsagency Maiden (1300m).

Jockey Dean Holland allowed the gelding to cross and lead and dictate the tempo.

Sensational Reward gave a kick turning for home, and although getting tired close to home, score a head win from Knight’s Sword ($6.50) with Marcolt ($5), a long head away third.

Calvin McEvoy said he had been confident of a bold run by Sensational Reward.

“I thought his first up run at Moonee Valley in February was excellent,” McEvoy said.

“He was caught a little wide but hit the line nicely behind a horse (Seguso) that I think has a bit of talent.

“The draw was a negative today, but Dean (Holland) took it out of the equation with a brilliant beginning.

“He rated the horse perfectly and it gave a good kick but I’m sure the 1300 (metres) was as far as he wants to go at this stage.

“I think we’ll be looking for a suitable 1200 metre race for him next time.

“On his form this preparation I think it could be a midweek in the city.”

Sensational Reward now has a win and three placings from just four starts, and according to the trainer, is a bit savvier this preparation.

McEvoy said the win was another bonus from the stable’s decision to set up a stable at Ballarat.

“Today we went to Echuca, and on Friday we had winners at Stawell and Pakenham, there are so many options to place our runners.”