Prefer Us wins easily

Staying filly Prefer Us could have earnt herself a trip to Tasmania with an easy win at Gawler on Wednesday, February 9.

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy have tentatively earmarked the Listed $150,000 Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) at Launceston on Sunday, February 20 for the three-year-old filly.

“She has always shown she is a filly that wanted ground,” Tony McEvoy said.

“Her win today at Gawler ended up being very impressive so if she pulls up okay, we will look to the Tasmanian race.

“I have to admit at the 700-metre mark I was a bit concerned but loved the way she lengthened when clear over the final 200 metres.”

Prefer Us, the $1.95 favourite, ridden by Barend Vorster, dashed away from her rivals to win the Ausbia Electrical Distance Maiden (2106m) by 4-3/4 lengths from El Royale ($10) with Dixie Whistler ($7.50), a length away third.

The three-year-old filly settled midfield in the field of 11 but when the pressure went on about 700 metres from home, she didn’t really pick up and Vorster was forced to work hard.

Prefer Us responded and came between runners but once she saw daylight in the home straight responded strongly and raced away to win easily.

Vorster also admitted to being a bit worried when the tempo lifted.

“It took her a while to respond but once she realised it was a race, sprinted strongly to win easily,” Vorster said.

McEvoy said Prefer Us was still learning about racing.

“She has been a bit dopey, but I’m hoping that last 200m today indicated she now realises what racing is all about.

“If she is okay, the Tasmanian race would be ideal, if not, then I might give her a short letup before getting her ready for the Adelaide carnival in April and May.

“It appears she will love it the further the better, so the 2500 metres of the SA Fillies Classic on May 21 would be perfect.”