Enjoy the Carnival

Although the winning margin was narrow, the future looks very bright for three-year-old Carnival Row.

A red hot $1.45 favourite, Carnival Row had a long head to spare in winning the Brandt Maiden (1500m) on the Ballarat Synthetic on Tuesday, August 15.

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, and ridden by Harry Coffey, the colt showed his immaturity when ridden up on the speed to win his maiden.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said the instructions had been to ride Carnival Row like the best horse in the race which saw Coffey take him forward from barrier opening and settle second before going to the front on straightening.

Coffey reported the son of stallion Trapeze Artist just wanted to look around when in front rather than put the race away.

As a result, the colt was “dive bombed” late by Dashing Duchess ($19) which got to within a long head with Drinks With Duncan ($71), 1-3/4 lengths away third.

McEvoy was still happy with the win by Carnival Row.

“I think we learnt last start that he is better ridden quiet,” McEvoy said.

“Harry did the right thing today riding a red hot $1.45 favourite and he rode him like the best horse in the race.

“It probably didn’t work out to the best of his advantage, but he got the job done.

“Now when we step him up in trip, we will ride him nice and patient and be last to challenge.

“He is a colt that takes a little bit of managing at times.

“He looks like he should be racing in town and is a nice style of horse.”

McEvoy said the colt was raced by a good ownership group.

“Wayne Mitchell is involved, Andrew Brown and Doc O’Callaghan, a good crew who have been patient as we thought we would have chalked up a win earlier. They are good supporters of the stable and it was great to get a win for them.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said Carnival Row was still learning.

“With no speed today and being a heavily favoured runner, Tony & Calvin said make your own luck and go forward.

“It probably didn’t suit him that well because he had a good look around once out in front.

“He never really travelled like a winner, but fortunately, he got the job done, albeit only marginally with that horse flying late.

“There is improvement there and he goes better than he showed today.

“He has a good look around and wasn’t really concentrating very well but that will all come with racing.

“Carnival Row didn’t really quicken up much but sustained a similar gallop and was waiting for the other horses, just waiting for the pack.

“I’m sure if one had got in a fight with us, he would have found another gear but when one launched at him late at the end, he just didn’t have the chance to go with it.

“He just got a little bit lost in front, ridden a bit quieter he will go better.”