Rose blooms

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy unearthed a promising staying filly in M’lady Rose at Sportsbet Ballarat on Tuesday, October 14.

The three-year-old filly was on race debut in the Raceday Medical Maiden (1400m) and proved too strong for her rivals with a convincing win.

Ridden by Luke Currie, M’lady Rose ($3.30) sat second early but ran strongly through the line for a half-length win from White Hot Mama ($2.15 fav) with Naraghi ($8), 2-1/2 lengths away third.

The favourite led up early with the O T I syndicated M’lady Rose second in close attendance.

Turning for home the leader sprinted and grabbed a margin, but the McEvoy-trained filly gathered momentum under Currie’s urgings to draw alongside and win going away.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell said M’lady Rose was highly promising.

“She was out of her comfort zone early on,” Moore said.

“I thought the best part of her win today was the last 200 metres.

“She was really building up her revs and was strong through the line.

“It was a smooth ride from Luke Currie who is riding in great form.

“It was fantastic to get another win with O T I and also our stable clients.

“She is by (the stallion) Belardo and they are doing a good job over here. O T I have had some good success with the breed.

“I think she is a filly that will get out to a mile (1600m) and 2000 metres in time.

“Maybe the autumn could see her as an Australasian Oaks type of filly.

“Even the back end of the spring might suit M’lady Rose, a race like the Twilight Glow and there is also now a race at the end of the carnival, a 2000 metre race worth $400,000.”

Winning jockey Luke Currie said M’lady Rose had been a bit nervy and new on race debut.

“She was worried and a bit uptight having a look at things,” Currie said.

“I think she was having a good look at the leader going up to it.

“She was probably only going to run second and it wasn’t until she worked it out that straightened up with a couple of hits around the tail.

“When she changed legs she lengthened and went away.

“I wanted to keep her balance around the turn when the leader gave that kick.

“There was a little bit of greenness and having a look early in the home straight.

“She was really good.

“She is a really nice filly and there is better in store for her.”