Dominant Domination
Domination by name, dominant by nature.
Trainer Tony McEvoy’s winning Balaklava run moved to 13 when Domination streeted his rivals to win the Balaklava Cup Day 12/9 Maiden (1050m).
Ridden by Jamie Kah, bringing up an early double for her and McEvoy, Domination was backed from $1.45 into $1.28 favourite and raced away to win by 5-1/4 lengths from Brimarvi Vehero ($15) with Cibachrome ($26), a quarter of a length away third.
“I have to praise, and thank, the owners for being so patient with this bloke,” McEvoy said.
“We’ve always believed he had the ability but he’s had issues along the way. I really think he is a Melbourne Saturday quality galloper.
“Today, we wanted to give an enjoyable experience, and I reckon after that, he will be feeling pretty good about himself.”
Domination was a little awkward in the barrier stalls and had his head in another stall before being straightened but he began quickly and Kah quickly had him across sitting second.
It was a case of hands and heels in the home straight and he raced away.
Winning jockey Jamie Kah said Domination was a “really nice horse.”
“He’s got a bit of attitude, but most good ones do,” Kah said.
“He raced away in the home straight but then close to home he was starting to wait for the others.
“I’m sure he will take improvement from the win and looks to have a good future.”