Dark Skies’ impressive debut
Three-year-old Dark Skies made the perfect debut with an impressive win at Horsham on Friday, March 22.
Jockey Harry Coffey gave a perfect ride to land the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Dark Skies a half-length winner of the Happy 40th Gonzo Maiden (1200m).
The gelding jumped very well from gate seven in the field of 10 and risked being trapped four wide but Coffey was able to angle the son of stallion Duporth into a one-out, one-back position on settling down.
Coffey asked Dark Skies to improve past the 500-metre mark and turning for home at the 400 metre mark he shot clear and ran strongly through the line.
Dark Skies, a $4.80 chance, held off Dantooine ($6) with Gamadale Indi ($2.30 fav) a half-length away third.
Stable spokesperson Marnie Granger said it had been a great ride by Harry Coffey.
“Dark Skies was great, very strong to the line,” Granger said.
“He jumped very well, and Harry (Coffey) got him in a beautiful position, and he got the job done.
“He is nice and quiet at home and Harry comes in and has ridden him a couple of times.
“For him to come out and do that first start, we couldn’t be happier.
“He is a big scopey horse and it has taken us a little bit of time to get him where we want him.”
Winning jockey Harry Coffey was impressed by the win.