Mr Blunt too sharp again

His name might seem negative, but Mr Blunt is exactly the opposite on the racetrack as he indicated on Tuesday, July 22 at Sportsbet Ballarat Synthetic in horrendous conditions.

He put his opponents to a sharp sword racing away to win the Hygain Winners Choice Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy sprinting through heavy rain on a bitterly cold afternoon.

Mr Blunt ($1.10 fav), ridden by John Allen scored by an increasing four lengths from Nordic ($16) with Jordy Girl ($16), 1-1/2 lengths away third.

The three-year-old won his maiden over the same track and trip by nine lengths and stepped up in class today to win just as comprehensively.

After beginning fairly, Mr Blunt was three wide early before Allen took him to sit parked outside the leader.

In the home straight the three-year-old dashed away to win easily.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said Mr Blunt would be further improved after a break.

“The race was run in winter racing, how good,” joked McEvoy.

“The win was workmanlike.

“He didn’t show as much speed today, up in class.

“Johnny (Allen) took his time. We had a plan not to complicate it and roll forward.

“When he was there to find, he did but he is still a horse that is working it out.

“He is hard to get a guide on at home because he is such a big baby, and we don’t know where the ceiling is.

“Congratulations to Paul Schauble, who was here today – he bred and owns him. He has been very patient and hopefully we can get Mr Blunt up to town now.”

Owner-breeder Paul Schauble hopes Mr Blunt is a nice horse.

“It is exciting, I have been trying for 40 years,” Mr Schauble said.

“This is the best horse I have had – by far.

“It would be fantastic if he could go on – we hope for the best.”

Winning jockey John Allen agrees Mr Blunt will improve with experience and maturity.

“It was a workmanlike win – in workmanlike conditions,” Allen said.

“He had to do a bit of work early to get across them, working into a strong head wind.

“It was only his second start, and he is still learning but he was still good enough to put them away pretty easily.

“He is a big, nice-looking horse with plenty of ability. He will get better with more racing.”