Elphinstone’s Guineas win

The trainer-jockey combination of Tony & Calvin McEvoy along with Luke Currie combined for another feature win when Elphinstone scored at Caulfield on VOBIS day, Saturday, April 27.

Currie delivered a perfect ride to land Elphinstone winner of the $500,000 The IRT VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m).

Stakes-placed at Bendigo at her previous run and sent out a solid $3.40 favourite, the three-year-old filly repulsed the late challenge of Motown ($4.20) to win by a length with Gifted Gamer ($9.50), 1-1/4 lengths away third.

The filly settled midfield in the running line in the field of 12 before Currie asked her to improve with 500 metres left to travel.

Elphinstone quickly moved up to challenge the leaders then charged away in the home straight and comfortably held off a late challenge by the runner up.

The McEvoys and Currie had a fabulous association when the trainers had a stable at Flemington through the likes of Hey Doc and Sunlight but with a relocation to Ballarat by the mentors and Currie having a stint in Hong Kong saw a halt to their success stories.

With Currie now based back in Melbourne, the McEvoys have taken the opportunity to link up occasionally and Elphinstone produced a winning result.

Trainer Tony McEvoy said Elphinstone was a talented and improving filly.

“Everyone works hard in this game and to get results like this is what it is all about,” McEvoy said.

“She is a progressive filly with so much more to come.

“It has taken patience and maturity to see her development.

“She is getting better. To saddle her up, she can be really difficult, but she was better today.

“I think when she is older again, she will be fine.”

McEvoy praised the ride of Luke Currie.

“He drew beautifully and gave her a lovely run and kept her balanced.

“She was a little bit awkward around the bend, but he has great balance and he won, which was the most important part.”

Currie said Elphinstone ran the 1600 metres out well.

“We did a bit of work early, I didn’t want to be too passive, and settle further back than I did,” Currie said.

“I thought she was a bit awkward, wanting to get out and on one rein a little bit.

“But when she came out she was blending through her gears on the corner and quickened well when she balanced.”

McEvoy said the trainers would be guided how she pulled up after the Guineas win before deciding her immediate future.