Icon proves elite

Promising three-year-old Elite Icon left nothing to chance in victory at Moonee Valley on Friday, March 4.

A fortnight earlier, the gelding had to settle for second after an unsuccessful protest.

But tonight, with jockey John Allen riding confidently, Elite Icon led throughout to win the Lawnrules.Com.Au Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m).

The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained three-year-old jumped beautifully and Allen had him coasting in front, off the inside, in the run to the home turn.

In the straight, Elite Icon ($2.30 fav) had 1-1/2 lengths to spare at the finish from Prowling ($6) with Silly Salmon ($12) a similar margin away third.

Winning trainer Calvin McEvoy said the stable has a high opinion of Elite Icon.

“I said we had a lot of time for him when he won his maiden here,” McEvoy said.

“He nearly could be unbeaten. If you look at his runs, the times he has been beaten it hasn’t been very far.

“He’s an exciting horse and it was a beautiful ride by Johnny (Allen).

“They probably went a little bit quick, but he dropped the other favourite off and it was a really nice win.

“I said to John he didn’t need to lead but he has got speed and is a lovely horse.”

McEvoy said the stable had a strong opinion of Elite Icon’s family.

“We were lucky enough to buy his half-brother earlier in the week.

“Elite Icon cost $160,000 in Perth and his relation was a bit more at $380,000 but we love the family, and he was a really nice type.

“We’ve got big ambitions for this horse.”

Winning jockey John Allen was also full of praise for Elite Icon.

“He did a good job,” Allen said.

“I thought there might be a bit more pressure in the race actually, but we were able to lead pretty handy.

“Got into a nice rhythm down the side and gave a good kick in the straight.

“His form has been very consistent; he is still learning but he seems quite a nice horse.”