So Unusual on Cup trail
Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy are hoping former New Zealand galloper So Unusual can measure up as a Melbourne Cup prospect in November this year.
The trainers’ confidence was boosted when So Unusual won his third straight race at Sandown Hillside on Saturday, February 11.
The four-year-old will be given a chance to earn a spot in the Melbourne Cup when he runs at Flemington next month.
The winner of the Listed The Roy Higgins (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday, March 25 is given a “free ticket” in the Melbourne Cup.
At Sandown Hillside on Saturday, So Unusual, a well backed $3.60 favourite, was given a perfect ride by Dean Holland in winning the Premier Signs Handicap (2400m).
After settling midfield behind a strong tempo, the gelding loomed up in the home straight taking the lead at the 200m mark and winning by a half-length from Highland Jakk ($13) with Glentaneous ($8.50), three-quarters of a length away third.
So Unusual is part-owned by the My Racehorse No 1 syndicate and many of their members were on course to cheer home their stayer.
Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for the McEvoys, said syndication was excellent for racing.
“It is fantastic what My Racehorse do,” Moore said.
“Last week with Glory Days, this week with So Unusual, they are doing a bloody good job.
“They are giving an opportunity to a lot of people, for people to get involved in our sport.
“We don’t know what the ceiling is for this horse (So Unusual).
“What he has done in a short space of time is pretty extraordinary.
“He’ll head off to The Roy Higgins now and hopefully we can book a spot in the first Tuesday in November.
“If we can sneak into a Melbourne Cup with 50kg, we’ve got the right jockey in Dean Holland, so it ticks a few boxes.
“It is a bit of time between runs but we have done that today with five weeks and it will be six weeks to the Roy Higgins, but we will find a little trial in between.
“We will rinse and repeat.”
Winning jockey Dean Holland said So Unusual was a perfect stayer and today’s win had been even better that its’ previous.
“The other day we drew a great gate and had all the favours,” Holland said.
“We hit the front a long way out and he kept finding when they got to me.
“Today, he just switched off like a proper staying horse.
“I was never in doubt. He just gives you so much confidence.
“When I had the runner up to tow me into the race, it just worked out perfect.
“I actually hit the front at the 200 (metres) and he had a bit of a gawk around the last 150.
“Like I said, he’s got proper staying horse written all over him, I just like his temperament, he’s got a lot going for him.
“I feel you can put him anywhere.
“You can give him a little squeeze out and he’ll come back to you, so that is very helpful for a jockey riding a staying horse, you can put them in a spot and they still drop the bridle.
“He’s got a great temperament and the team is doing a fantastic job with him.”