Mrs Harris rails to win

Jockey Harry Coffey did not go around a horse in guiding Mrs Harris to an impressive victory at Stawell on Sunday, January 4.

It brought up a running double for Coffey and trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy who had combined in the opening event with Grammy’s Sunshine.

First-up over 1600 metres, Mrs Harris had no trouble thrashing her rivals in the Manhari Maiden.

Coffey had the four-year-old mare away quickly and settled third on the fence in the run to the home turn.

He considered coming off the fence but elected to stay inside and got a rails run enabling Mrs Harris ($1.90 fav) to accelerate through and win easily by three lengths from Our Pierro ($3.30) with Cliste ($26), 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Tim Hanley, stable foreman for McEvoy Mitchell Racing, said Mrs Harris was maturing into a good mare.

“It was very pleasing,” Hanley said.

“She has taken a bit of time this mare to get her win.

“Very patient owners, all loyal supporters of the stable, and she is a lady’s horse.

“We love having Harry (Coffey) on, he makes the right calls like waiting for the rails run.

“Last prep Mrs Harris got close to a winning race, and we have worked out she wants to get over a bit of ground.

“She was first up today over a mile (1600m) off just two trials so it was a good effort.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said Mrs Harris had won easily.

“It helps when the horses are too good,” Coffey said.

“Good barriers also make a difference, especially around here at Stawell.

“My initial instinct was to come out but Alana (Kelly) knew where I was and rode a race to keep me in.

“Unfortunately for her, the leader rolled off so I switched back and get along the inside.

“It was real flip of the coin stuff but it opened up.

“She showed a turn of foot after getting a nice run and it was a top win. She was first up and can only improve.”