Immerse wins again

Three-year-old filly Immerse proved too good for older opposition in winning at Benalla on Cup day, Friday, September 26.

It was the second win for the Godolphin-owned filly from three starts since joining the stables of Tony & Calvin McEvoy.

Ridden by Harry Coffey, Immerse ($5.50) scored a half- length win from Documentary ($2.60 fav) with Lake Forest ($6), 2-1/4 lengths away third in the Malua Racing Benchmark 62 Handicap (1106m).

The daughter of the stallion Frosted began quickly from gate four in the field of 11 but Coffey allowed her to balance up fourth on the inside with a good tempo in front from three of her rivals.

Immerse had a lovely run to the home turn and the jockey waited until the field had straightened before bringing her off the inside to challenge for victory.

The filly sprinted to the front, and despite a late challenge from the runner-up, scored strongly.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell Racing, said Immerse had been fantastic.

“It is always great to have a winner for Team Godolphin,” Moore said.

“They have entrusted us with some very well-bred horses, and this girl is no different, being a half to Traffic Warden.

“It was a big job today to beat the older horses as a three-year-old filly, and it was fantastic.

“The plan was to ride her with cover today and she jumped so well. It was a very heady ride by Harry (Coffey), switched her off, and once she got off heels at the top of the straight, she really let rip.

“She probably gave us the indication there she could get a bit further which opens up a few avenues.

“Immerse is a spicy girl at home,” Moore said.

“She has got an interesting temperament but what she does have is a motor and she showed that today.

“I think she is a filly that can go on with it now and there are a few good options going forward into the spring.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey agreed Immerse was a little temperamental.

“She is a bit sassy,” Coffey said.

“The team did a good job with her today, kept her nice and calm.

“There was a hot speed on from her good gate today, so the recipe worked out pretty well.

“She has only got a short, sharp turn of foot so I was mindful of not exposing her too early.

“After getting the right run and being well placed, and the team keeping her nice and calm she was able to perform and got the job done.

“She was peaking late but is progressive and heading on the right way upwards.”