Metsi magnificent
Lightly raced three-year-old filly Metsi broke through for an impressive maiden win at Stawell on Tuesday, February 21.
After settling slightly worse than midfield of the 10 runners, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy trained filly powered home to win the Stawell Windows and Glass Maiden (1607m).
Backed from $4.40 into $3.30, and beautifully ridden by Dean Holland, Metsi scored by a long head from American Heart ($2.50 fav) with Mrs Bull ($6.50) three lengths away third.
The daughter of top stallion More Than Ready improved from her reward position with 600 metres to travel and joined the leader turning for home.
She looked sure to win easily but wasn’t sure how the put the leader away.
McEvoy’s stable foreman Finn McCarthy believes Metsi has a promising future.
“We were hopeful of a good run last time at Werribee, but on the heavy 8, she just didn’t seem to get through it,” McCarthy said.
“Back on top of the ground today she was much better and fortunately got the result.
“She is pretty easy to train at home and she is pretty good to do most things with. She is a pleasure.”
McCarthy said the McEvoys would look to place her to advantage going forward.
Winning jockey Dean Holland said he had a perfect run on Metsi.
“We had a lovely run,” Holland said.
“We followed the eventual second horse, and I was wrapped when I ended on her back early.
“I knew it was going to take me everywhere and there was no need to panic.
“I tried to get there as late as possible.
“We hit the front at the 100 (metres) and my horse just didn’t quite know how to put the other one away.
“The other one fought hard as well.
“We got the job done and I’m sure this horse will gain a lot of confidence now.”
Holland confirmed Metsi wasn’t comfortable on heavy going.
“I thought we would be hard to beat last start at Werribee but we struck a heavy 8.
“We got beaten five lengths, I was travelling like a winner at the 600 (metres) but the wheels spun when I asked for an effort.
“She just needed a bit of encouragement as she didn’t know how to put the runner up away, but at the same time the second horse was very tough.”