Debut distance winner
Trainer Tony McEvoy again demonstrated his ability to produce horses first up over ground when first-starter Comfort Man scored at Gawler on Friday, December 28.
Comfort Man ($5), ridden by Jason Holder, came from last to score an easy 2-3/4 length win in the Kingsford Hotel Maiden (1719m) beating Smart Alick ($5) with Sizzkye ($7.50), 1-3/4 lengths away third.
Assistant trainer Calvin McEvoy said it was good to have a winner for owner-breeder Greg Hicks.
“Greg sent this horse to us as a three-year-old after he had just been broken in,” McEvoy said.
“Finn, who strapped him today, has worked hard to get him to settle in his races and his commitment paid off.
“He is a big, strong horse who can still do things wrong and is learning.
“The quick tempo today suited him, and he hit the line powerfully – there is no doubt he will get further.”
Winning jockey Jason Holder said he had been impressed by the way Comfort Man had finished off the race.
“I had hoped to settle a bit closer than last but with the good speed he took a while to get into rhythm.
“I was working hard on him getting to the home turn, but he responded and ran through the line really well.”
McEvoy said the stable would see how Comfort Man came through today’s race before looking for his next start.