Heart Of Glass narrowly

Trainer Tony McEvoy was surprised talented filly Heart Of Glass had such a tough battle before winning at Apiam Bendigo on Sunday, April 21.

“I think she is a stakes-quality filly and took her to Bendigo hoping for a nice, comfortable win,” McEvoy said.

“I think that might prove a strong form race because she really had to fight hard for the win.”

Heart Of Glass ($2.30 fav), resuming from a spell, scored by a nose in the Apiam Animal Health Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) beating Harry Got Styles ($2.60) with Charmed Run ($5) a half-length away third.

Trained by McEvoy in partnership with his son Calvin, the three-year-old filly began well and had a perfect run behind the two leaders in the run to the home turn.

Jockey Harry Coffey asked Heart Of Glass to improve, and she accelerated through to find the lead but was quickly challenged by the runner up and they had a good drive to the line, and she was able to prevail.

McEvoy said he had thought Heart Of Glass might just be a sprinter but noted at Bendigo she had settled nicely early in the race.

“On that run I think she might be able to get more of a trip.

“I will have a chat with her owner-breeder Peter Carrick of Noorilim Park Stud before we decide where to go with her next time.

“There is the Proud Miss Stakes in Adelaide in a couple of weeks, but I would like to give her a bit more time before having a run in black type company.

“Peter and his son Glen do a great job with their breeding, and I’m sure they will have a lot of fun on the track with Heart Of Glass.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey agreed it could prove an excellent form race.

“I think the first two home might be pretty handy, even the third horse,” Coffey said.

“We were coming to Bendigo for a soft option but bumped into a pretty handy field.

“She really had to fight and dig in and it was nice she was able to find that trait and get the job done.

“To her credit, she really had a crack and got the bob.

“Heart Of Glass can gallop, she has got a nice action.

“Last time in she just wanted to really get on with things.

“This time in, even in her jump outs, with her manners she has been calmer and more relaxed, that is a good thing going forward.

“She is a nice filly and good to be partnering her.”