Resurge still Derby hope
Trainer Tony McEvoy is still considering a start in the South Australian Derby with Resurge following the gelding’s easy win at Strathalbyn on Wednesday, May 1.
The $2.60 favourite, Resurge was given a perfect ride by Barend Vorster in the Bleasdale Benchmark 64 Handicap (2065m) scoring a 3-1/2 length win from Connemara Rose ($11), with Liberty Lover ($5.50), a long neck away third.
Post-race, McEvoy said he would consider the Group 1 $500,000 TAB South Australian Derby (2500m) on Saturday, May 11 for the three-year-old.
“He has been disappointing,” McEvoy said, “and that is why we have lowered our sights today and given the horse a win.
“This horse had just lost his way a bit so that will give him a lot of confidence.
“I may still run him in the Derby because I know he has that type of ability, he just hasn’t been able to work it out.
“I had to get another race into him, and it was here, probably not ideal for a big striding horse, but he did the job.
“Barend gave him a beautiful ride, he kept him out of trouble and gave him plenty of galloping room – it was very good.”
Winning jockey Vorster said he felt Resurge was the class horse of the race.
“I had to ride him like he was the best horse,” Vorster said.
“This track can be a bit tricky, so I gave him plenty of galloping room.
“Let him travel like the class he has, and he proved too good for them.
“Good luck to the connections, and Tony, and hopefully he can keep the winning run going.”
Resurge was purchased for $250,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sales by First Light Racing, who retained a big share in the ownership, with McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Paul Willetts.