Stakes run ahead for Pearl

Promising stayer Unusual Pearl could be headed to Adelaide following her comfortable win at Moonee Valley on Friday, February 2.

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy said the Group 3 $150,000 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphettville on Saturday, February 24 could be a perfect stepping stone for the in-form mare.

Heavily backed from $2.10 into $1.60 favourite, Unusual Pearl never looked in any trouble for taking out the Dominant Earthcare Handicap (2500m).

Jockey Michael Dee rode the four-year-old mare with great confidence, and she cruised home 1-3/4 lengths clear of Bon Appetit ($4.80) with Border Leicester ($5), three lengths away third.

At her previous win at Sandown, Unusual Pearl was caught wide throughout but at the Valley, she had a perfect run one-out, one-back in the small field of six before improving turning for home and winning easily.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said Unusual Pearl had won as the stable expected.

“She is really coming into her own as a stayer,” McEvoy said.

“We have finally got her out to the trip that she needs.

“I thought she was really good tonight.

“She has gone from winning a 64 metro to now a 70 metro, so it looks like she is going the right way.

“When we came here tonight and if she won like we thought, we might give her a stakes run over in Adelaide.

“The Lord Reims looks like it might be right up her alley.”

McEvoy gave credit for finding Unusual Pearl to the stable’s Racing Manager, Rayan Moore.

“Rayan has a great eye for finding these New Zealand horses.

“He was quite keen on her, she was very unlucky in a race, and we managed to secure her.

“We got the MyRacehorse group involved.

“She is not very big but has plenty of heart.

“The family is doing a good job as she is a sister to Unusual Culture.”

Winning jockey Michael Dee agreed Unusual Pearl’s potential was still untapped.

“It was a comfortable win,” Dee said.

“She is a dream to ride, jumps well and finds her rhythm straight away.

“She doesn’t touch the bridle and then she is there when you ask.

“Cruised into the race down the side and always felt like I had the leader covered.

“I just wasn’t sure if there was something coming from behind.

“She was pretty comfortable.”

Dee said Unusual Pearl was currently in the right frame of mind.

“Wherever she goes I’m sure she will be competitive.

“She has got that will to win, so onwards and upwards.”