Enood too strong
Talented filly Enood made it a perfect day at Kilmore for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy with a last stride win.
The McEvoys took two horses to the Kilmore meeting, newcomer Maccabee won the opening race, then Enood won the second.
A beautifully bred three-year-old filly, Enood has always shown promise but after a break now looks ready to realise her potential.
The filly was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum at the 2018 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for $1 million.
She had six runs before today for three placings but judging by the victory, it won’t be her last.
Enood ($6) settled back in the field of nine but was brought into the race by jockey Regan Bayliss around the home turn.
The filly had to fight hard with runner-up Bethpage ($3.90) in for a battle but on the line, she had a head to spare in winning the Bendigo Club Three-Year-Old Fillies Maiden (1100m). Third placed Groovy Kinda Love ($4.80) was 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Michael Shepherdson, Melbourne stable foreman for the McEvoys, was delighted Enood had scored her initial win.
“It was a really good return, a top effort,” Shepherdson said.
“She’s finally broke her maiden which takes a bit of pressure off.
“She’s always shown good ability but just lost her way a little bit last prep.
“Tony & Calvin decided to give her a really good spell and let her mature.
“She was never really on the track today, so it was a good effort.
“Regan picked her up nicely and kept her as balanced as he good which helped her through the line.
“Early days we thought Enood might get out over a bit of a trip but this time in we have kept a bit of speed in her legs and it seemed to work out.”
Winning jockey Regan Bayliss said Enood had produced a strong effort.
“I sat three wide but she handled the track really well, handled the camber perfectly and was in a really good rhythm.
“She had to dig deep the last 100 metres, but to her credit, she did.
“It was a nice win and there are more in store.
“She didn’t have the early tow to go forward, so we had to take out medicine and get her into a nice rhythm.
“Enood was strong through the line and it was a good win.”