Plan pays a reward

Improving three-year-old filly Heavenbent broke through for an impressive victory at Bordertown on Tuesday, December 17.

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, Heavenbent was resuming from a spell with her strong win in the Sportsbet Maiden (1300m).

Only fairly away, the filly accelerated through for jockey Ciam MacRedmond to settle third on the fence in the run to the home turn.

MacRedmond gave her room to wind up and Heavenbent ($2.70 fav) accelerated through to grab a half-length win from Irlandais ($11) with Smashing Action ($3.10) a length away third.

Trainer Tony McEvoy said Heavenbent had won well.

“She made a little mistake at the start,” McEvoy said.

“However, she gathered herself well and was able to get the run of the race.

“She got a gap through in the home straight and quickened up really nicely.

“It was a good solid performance first up.

“We took her to Bordertown to get the win, so it was really important.

“We can now reassess to see where we go with Heavenbent.”

Winning jockey Ciam MacRedmond said Heavenbent was still learning about racing.

“She nearly half through it away (at the start),” MacRedmond said.

“I was always confident after we got into a nice position, and I didn’t have to force her too much.

“On the turn I was waiting for a split to come.

“When it did, she halfway through, then half backed off.

“Once I got into her she did it nicely and I thought she had a bit left at the finish.”