Coffey’s winning move

A dashing ride by Harry Coffey paved the way for a victory by Steel Move at Sportsbet Ballarat on Saturday, December 6.

Coming from midfield in the Haymarket VOBIS Gold Eureka Stockade (1200m), Coffey grabbed a winning break on Steel Move halfway up the straight for an impressive victory.

The win brought up a two-state double for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy who 20 minutes earlier, had landed debutante Moana Spirit a winner at Morphettville Parks in Adelaide.

Apart from the first prize of $96,250, Steel Move also collected a $35,000 VOBIS Platinum bonus.

A $26 chance, Steel Move held on for three-quarter length win from Harry’s Yacht ($1.95 fav) with Torotena ($20), a similar margin away third.

Coffey’s decision to use the four-year-old’s electrifying burst of speed soon after straightening was crucial in grabbing a winning break.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell said Steel Move had the ability to win good races.

“It is amazing to have this quality of horse in your stable,” Moore said.

“Godolphin have handed over some real blue bloods, and this guy, a son of Blue Point, to win an important VOBIS Gold race was very important.

“We have had him up in distance, back in distance, and have been a little bit puzzled by some of his performances, but he has always shown plenty of ability.

“We saw that today, it was a top ride by Harry Coffey. We said to come out and have the horse relax where was comfortable.

“He steered him on a good path, and gee, he let rip.

“We added visors today and he really appreciated that, he let rip and was very true today to his form and it was great to get another win for Godolphin.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said Steel Move had an excellent sprint.

“I think he is a funny horse and just needs everything to work out perfect,” Coffey said.

“I watched his replay from Kilmore at his previous run, and it didn’t look like he enjoyed coming down the hill, today, on a nice flat track with a beautiful run he was able to get the job done.

“I don’t think it matters what gear you have got on him, he is a bit tricky but run to suit, it works out.

“I got a good run to the outside of runners, and they really bunched up on the corner.

“This bloke has got a good turn of foot then he can’t sustain it.

“I was mindful of using it too early, but I had to get out and get around them.

“It was probably the winning move but he peaked on his run and was vulnerable late but there was an opportunity to win the race and we took it.”