Eluding eludes rivals

There is no hiding the fact that Eluding looks a three-year-old of promise with a convincing victory at Murray Bridge on Saturday, June 13.

Given the run of the race by Barend Vorster, Eluding eluded his rivals over the final stages to win the TAB Benchmark 66 Handicap (1600m).

A well backed $2.80 favourite, the gelding had 2-1/2 lengths to spare in beating Kalamon ($91) with Cupid’s Bow ($7.50), a length away third.

The win brought up a Murray Bridge treble for the McEvoys who won the opening event with Mayameen then also scored by Dimaggio. It was a double for Vorster.

Eluding worked home strongly last Saturday at Morphettville Parks over 1300 metres running third and the stable had no hesitation backing him up over the extra distance a week later.

After jumping well, Vorster allowed the three-year-old to sit third on the fence in running before angling into the running line turning for home.

Eluding quickly accelerated to the lead and won comfortably.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said he really likes Eluding.

“He is a beautiful horse by Toronado,” McEvoy said.

Well done to the owners Laurel Oak Bloodstock and their partners, who have been very patient.

“He bounced off the track last week after that run.

“He found the 1300 (metres) too sharp and he gave us the confidence to back him up in this lovely mile (1600m) race today.

“It was another textbook ride by Barend.

“He mapped to be where he settled and had a beautiful run, took the split and he was too good.

“Eluding is another nice young horse with a lot of upside.”

McEvoy said the gelding had nice tactical speed.

“I thought he would be a bit sharper last week over the 1300 (metres).

“However, he showed he was looking for that little bit of extra ground and it happened there was a 1600 metre race seven days later.

“He is our first horse with the Laurel Oak Bloodstock group, and it has been a great experience.

“When he was a young horse he had a foot abscess which went on for a long time.

“Like I said, they had to be patient, but I think he will start repaying them now.