Jyoti impressive
First starter Jyoti made an impressive debut at Morphettville on Saturday, December 28.
A red hot $1.60 favourite, Jyoti, trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, raced away to win the Furphy Plate (1050m) by 3-3/4 lengths from early leader Champagne Affair ($4.40) with Another Award ($15), 2-1/2 lengths away third.
The two-year-old filly, by Akeed Mofeed and ridden by Barend Vorster, jumped well but the jockey elected to take a sit when the runner-up was keen to lead.
On the home turn, Vorster brought Jyoti to the outside and the filly lengthened nicely to win running away.
Trainer Calvin McEvoy said the filly had been a good improver this preparation.
“I was impressed by that effort,” McEvoy said.
“Well done to Barend who bounced her out and rode a two-year-old race.
“She did look like she was chasing a bit for the first few hundred metres.
“However, she had the leader covered by the home bend.
“It is hard to come in with confidence on the strength of just one trial when they don’t have any pressure.
“She pricked her ears on the line and looked like she really enjoyed the experience.”
McEvoy said Jyoti had been sent to Team McEvoy by owner Craig Dunn.
“She was a little on the small side and had immature knees early but has really come into her own this preparation.
“She was professional and handled the day perfectly.”
Winning jockey Barend Vorster said credit had to go to the stable for the filly’s winning debut.
“The whole system of getting the two-year-olds here is getting them in the right order and Tony and Calvin did it today,” Vorster said.
“She’s pretty forward and had that bit of speed.
“Today she began beautifully but the inside horse showed a bit more speed, so I asked her to come back a few more strides.
“What I really enjoyed about today was her acceleration.
“When she turned for home, she really wanted to quicken away from them.”