Elphinstone easily

Favourable track conditions saw talented mare Elphinstone return to winning form on Pakenham Cup day on Saturday, December 21.

At her previous run, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained mare bogged down on a heavy eight track at Caulfield but the good three at Pakenham proved ideal.

Elphinstone ($10), ridden by Luke Currie ran away to score by 1-1/4 lengths from Smokin’ Princess ($3.80 fav) with Matron Bullwinkel ($14) a similar margin away third in the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1600m).

Currie settled the four-year-old mare midfield before asking her to improve tracking up behind the leaders turning for home.

Elphinstone burst clear past the 200-metre mark to score a decisive win.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell, said he believed the market had got it wrong about Elphinstone’s chances.

“She had terrific form lines for a benchmark 78,” Moore said.

“I thought she was well and truly over the odds. If you took out her last run on a heavy track, she should have probably been a $5 chance here today.

“She is a quality mare and had a very dominant victory in the end.

“I think, going forward, the way she ran through the line 2000 metres wouldn’t be out of the question.

“I think the aim now will be to look for some black type – she’s got a good page, very well bred and if we can get that valuable black type we are heading in the right direction.”

Winning jockey Luke Currie said Elphinstone had won easily.

“Everything worked out perfect today,” Currie said.

“She drew awkward but there was good speed, and she rolled over and landed in a good spot having a perfect run. She came out and quickened really well.

“Last time it was a heavy track, and she was way below her best. Today, back on the dry, it worked out perfect.

“On her day she is quite handy and today she picked them up and put them away quite easily.”