Meetmein Melbourne impressive
The well-named Meetmein Melbourne raced away for an impressive debut victory on the Ballarat Synthetic on Monday, June 5.
Judging by her win, trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy may well be looking to Victoria’s capital to give the three-year-old filly a chance to improve her record.
At Ballarat, Meetmein Melbourne was given a perfect ride by Declan Bates and raced away for a two-length win in the Global Turf Maiden (1000m).
A well backed $3 favourite, the filly beat off the home straight challenge by Hartshorn ($3.70) with Miss White ($101), 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Meetmein Melbourne settled three wide with a trail midfield before obtaining a clear run turning for home.
The runner up issued a challenge midway down the straight, but the McEvoy-trained filly repelled the challenge and ran strongly through the line to win well.
The victory was more like what connections would have desired after a moderate first preparation late last year.
Trainer Calvin McEvoy was delighted to see Meetmein Melbourne win so well.
She is a filly with a really nice pedigree,” McEvoy said.
“I would like to thank the ownership group for being so patient.
“She didn’t inspire us too much in her previous runs.
“But Ray Pawsey, Robyn Parker, the Fletchers among others, it is really a good ownership group.
“I loved how she attacked the line today.
“She had been working really well, and she looked fantastic this prep which she didn’t last time.
“It goes to show she has matured up, and I think we can place her through her grades now.”
Winning jockey Declan Bates said he had always been consistent of victory on Meetmein Melbourne.
“She has returned in great order,” Bates said.
“I’m glad I trialled her leading in to today as she gave me a really nice feel.
“At the trials she showed a nice turn of foot, so I knew her well coming in.
“I was happy to sit on her until we straightened and ask for an effort.
“Sure enough she quickened up and put them away pretty quickly.
“She went away from them pretty quick, had a bit of a look around when she got there, but it was never in doubt.
“She has come back in great order.
“I thought she floated when she found the lead, but I gave her a couple to keep her mind onto it, but she was never getting beaten.”