Naiconi impressive

Promising three-year-old filly Naiconi earned herself a chance at a feature win with a victory at Sandown Lakeside on Wednesday, November 16.

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy intend to look at the Listed $175,000 Quayclean Twilight Glow Stakes (1400m) Caulfield on Saturday, November 26 with Naiconi.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said provided the filly took no harm from the Sandown win, she could head to Caulfield.

Well backed as the $2.10 favourite, Naiconi went to the front with jockey Blake Shinn in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m) and was never headed.

Challenged late, the filly responded to win by three-quarters of a length from Belmia ($4.60), with Miss Dunsford ($5.50), two lengths away third.

McEvoy said Naiconi was a nice filly that was continuing to improve.

“Stepping up to 1400 metres adds another string to her bow,” he said.

“She bolted in on the synthetic last time so today was throwing her in the deep end in midweek class.

“She came through in good style and I think a Caulfield run is another chance to step up.

“If she can pick up black type it would greatly add to her value.

“It was good one of her part-owners Jen Hinckley was able to be on course today. Jen, and her son Mark along with Mark and Ian Davies deserve the success.”

Winning jockey Blake Shinn was impressed by Naiconi.

“When the runner up challenged my filly found a good kick,” Shinn said.

“I think both the first two are going to be competitive in tougher company.

“Naiconi settled well in front and gave a good kick when I asked her to extend.

“It was a test stepping her up to 1400 metres today and I thought she ran well through the line.

“She is a nice filly with potential.”