Mr Verse outstanding

It is impossible not to join in the chorus to sing the praises of Mr Verse which turned in a last-to-first win at Pakenham on Thursday, February 13.

Giving the leaders up to 15 lengths start mid-race, Mr Verse sprinted powerfully to score a 4-1/4 length victory in the Hygain Tracktorque Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m).

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy and the connections, Heran Racing, are entitled to believe the three-year-old can win a good race during his career.

Rider Blake Shinn allowed Mr Verse ($2.30 fav) to balance up early on a good tempo before bringing him wide turning for home.

The gelding quickly gathered in the leaders and raced past the opposition to win easily.

On the line he defeated Diamanda ($14) with My Roca Fella ($4.80) a length away third.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy is excited about Mr Verse’s talent.

“It was a big win,” McEvoy said. “He is a very nice horse, a progressive horse.

“We were a little bit worried he was getting himself beaten by falling out of the gates.

“He actually began on terms tonight but couldn’t muster and was a long way back.

“It was a very cool ride from Blake (Shinn), he has got good confidence in the horse as do we.

“We think he is going to win a nice race but just has to sort out his manners.

“He got very wayward in the straight, was laying in, so he is still a big baby.

“We have to thank Marty and Glen Heran and Charlie for entrusting us with him.

“He just needs racing. We thought we would bring him back in trip, put the blinkers on and give him a kill and go on from here. He is really growing up.”

Winning jockey Blake Shinn was impressed by the ease of Mr Verse’s victory.

“We got the jump right tonight, but he wanted to take no part in the early speed, so I let him find his rhythm out the back,” Shinn said.

“He enjoyed the tempo and has got a good kick, this horse.

“Back in grade with the blinkers on suited him to get that confidence boosting win.

“I allowed him to come back to the fence when he was well clear of the other runners in the home straight.

“It was the first time he has been in front like that, I was very impressed with the way he attacked the line.

“It was great to get the result for all involved. He did everything I asked of him.

“He rounded them up very quickly and won like a horse with a fair bit of purpose.

“He is a really promising horse.”