Pontificate makes it a double

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy and jockey Dean Holland brought up a double when Pontificate won easily at Hamilton on Tuesday, January 17.

The trio had success earlier in the day with Dillinger, before combing with Pontificate to win the Ruth ‘Margaret’ Anne Memorial Benchmark 58 Handicap (1400m).

Easy in the market drifting from $4.50 to $5.50, the four-year-old mare settled second before racing away in the home straight to win comfortably.

Pontificate scored by two lengths from Katering ($3.90) with Rich Memories ($3.10 fav), 2-1/4 lengths away third.

Trainer Tony McEvoy believes the daughter of stallion Dundeel has more improvement ahead.

“It was a really good victory,” McEvoy said.

“She presented a bit round in the paddock, just a bit full, and I thought 1400 metres first up might be an ask.

“She put herself on pace and gee, she was strong through the line, it was fantastic.

“It was a really good effort, and she ran to her trial.

“I think the stock of Dundeel train on better as they get older.

“I think we have got a lot to look forward to, she has never run badly.

“She’s a progressive type that should get to metro level.”

Winning jockey Dean Holland was always confident of victory on Pontificate.

“Her trial the other day was really good,” Holland said.

“There wasn’t a lot speed today and I wanted to take luck out of the equation.

“I followed Rich Memories across and had a lovely run outside the leader.

“We went pretty steady and quickened up from the 600 (metres).

“My horse has improved a lot from last prep, and really found when we straightened up.

“I think Pontificate will be even better ridden behind the speed, probably got more of a turn of foot.