Impressive first-up win

Talented three-year-old Leave No Doubt resumed with a last-to-first victory on the Sportsbet Ballarat Synthetic on Tuesday, August 19.

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, Leave No Doubt, came wide in the home straight to grab first prize in the Vale Janet Bullas Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m).

Under hard riding by Harry Coffey, the gelding, a $2.60 chance, had a head to spare beating Frose ($9.50) with El Salto ($9.50), a nose away third.

The trainers gave Leave No Doubt two nice jump outs to ready for him for his racing return.

Coffey allowed the gelding to balance up early coming from the outside gate in a field of six after a slow beginning.

After settling at the tail of the field, Leave No Doubt was on the outside up the home straight and finished best to win.

Trainer Tony McEvoy said Leave No Doubt was capable of going through his classes.

“I was a bit surprised he got back that far but he didn’t jump that well,” McEvoy said.

“He fell out of the gates and that is why I love guys like Harry (Coffey) on.

“He didn’t panic and just got the horse into a nice rhythm.

“They didn’t look to go too hard in the mid-stages and I thought his job was going to be tough.

“He got there to win the race and probably got a bit tired late.

“The relationship between horse and rider is so important and no one works harder than Harry and it is a real asset to have him on our team.

“We are going to take small steps with Leave No Doubt. He’s a nice horse, we have always thought of him as a metropolitan class galloper, but we will be patient.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said Leave No Doubt was a horse with ability.

“He wasn’t great out of the barrier,” Coffey said.

“He is a little bit thick in the wind, and knowing him well, I just stayed in a smooth rhythm.

“Unfortunately, the horse I was following was unable to take us into the race and cart us up to the horses which were the toughest to beat.

“So, I had to bring him out earlier than I would have liked and because of that I was quite impressed with his win.

“He sustained a long run and was peaking late, but it was first up off a long break. He will be better for it.

“Leave No Doubt is a bit of a work in progress, but he does have good ability with a good turn of foot.

“Hopefully he can keep winning.”