Eagle strikes for Lloyd

Heavy nine track conditions held no fears for Strike Eagle which scored an easy win at Warracknabeal on Tuesday, October 25.

Despite drifting from an opening price of $5 to start at $8, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained four-year-old basically led throughout to win the Harold Kemp Benchmark 58 Handicap (1200m).

After beginning well, jockey Madison Lloyd made her intentions clear on Strike Eagle, and after a short battle, found the front and was never challenged.

Once in front Lloyd, who also won on Strike Eagle at his last victory, rated him perfectly.

Challengers emerged on the home turn, but the gelding bounded away to win comfortably.

On the line, the gelding had 2-1/4 lengths to spare from Tern And Go ($3.50) with Toojay ($16), a similar margin away third.

Trainer Tony McEvoy said it would be a happy household.

“Jo and I part-own him so we can celebrate tonight,” McEvoy said.

“Strike Eagle has nice ability but hasn’t always shown it.

“Today, he loved the heavy track and being able to find the front.

“Maddie (Lloyd) got him in a good rhythm and the horse loved his day out.

“I think a month between runs also was crucial.”

The victory was Strike Eagle’s third from just 16 starts with four placings as well.

Winning jockey Madison Lloyd was delighted by Strike Eagle’s win.

“He travelled super,” Lloyd said.

“He jumped quite good, he is always a quick horse out of the gates.

“I’ve been trying to get a bit of cover on him lately, but he is the kind of horse you always have to let him run.

“He’s got a bit of a smart kind of attitude, I was happy to sit outside the lead, but he was rolling along.

“I just let him breathe and he kept going.”