Despacito brilliant first up

The Tony McEvoy-trained three-year-old filly Despacito, first up from a spell, turned in a last to first effort to win on the Sandown Hillside track on Wednesday, May 15.

A drifter from $31 to $41 before firming to start at $26, Despacito, ridden by apprentice Chelsea Macfarlane, ran home strongly to score a length win in the Big Screen Company Benchmark 64 Handicap (1300m) beating Tatiara ($31) with Classic Choice ($10), a length away third.

Trainer Tony McEvoy admitted the win was a bit of surprise.

“She has been going well,” McEvoy said, “but I thought she would need further.

“It was a pretty hot race on paper and the favourite couldn’t have been more impressive the other day.

“Chelsea was nice and patient on her and the filly showed she has come back better than ever.

“Chelsea has been riding really well and we keep our eyes on the young apprentices coming through.

“The 3kg allowance is a real advantage when they are riding in the form like Chelsea is currently.”

McEvoy said he may now look to a 1400 metre race at Flemington with Despacito.

Macfarlane said the filly had been presented in great order by the trainer.

“The other runners were all pushing out wide on the corner, so I cut down inside and the horse did it all for me,” Macfarlane said.

“She did everything right today.”