Magnificent Maha

Debut filly Maha, trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, proved too good for her rivals with a strong win at Bendigo on Tuesday, February 25.

A $12 chance, Maha, ridden by Michael Dee, finished powerfully to score a long neck win in the Bet365 Maiden (1000m) from Awkward ($11) with D’arbanville ($4), 2-1/4 lengths away third.

The filly began well from a middle gate but showed excellent speed to find the front.

In the home straight the runner-up tried to challenge on the inside but Maha responded to Dee’s hands-and-heels riding to win well.

Trainer Tony McEvoy said he was delighted to give owner-breeder Sheikh Khalifa Al Maktoum a winner by his stallion Pride Of Dubai.

“Sheikh Khalifa raced Pride Of Dubai which won a Blue Diamond Stakes and AJC Sires,” McEvoy said.

“He now stands the stallion at stud and Pride Of Dubai has had winners but this filly is the first winner Sheikh Khalifa has had himself by the stallion.

“She is a talented filly but really has tested my team.

“She is a bit headstrong and today raced with her head up early today but ran through the line strongly.”

McEvoy said he had given Maha four trials in preparation for her debut.

“I just couldn’t keep trialling her, I decided to take her to the races and Bendigo was a nice big track for her debut.

“When she works it out, I think Maha will develop into a very nice performer.”