Theodor rounds up rivals

Theodor overcame a mini traffic jam approaching the home turn to score a strong maiden win on the Ballarat Synthetic on Monday, August 7.

A red hot $1.65 favourite, Theodor, trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy and ridden by Harry Coffey, finished powerfully to score by 1-1/2 lengths in the Global Turf Maiden (1400m).

Ruminate ($5) came home second, 2-1/4 lengths clear of Towering ($31).

Theodor jumped beautifully from gate one and held the inside lead early before Coffey allowed him to balance up behind rivals which had been keen to lead.

Despite only a small field of six, there were attacking moves approaching the 400 metres and Coffey found himself in a pocket but brought Theodor to the outside and the colt extended to round up the leaders and win comfortably.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said it had been a good effort by Theodor.

“Everything went against him.

“He probably wasn’t entitled to pick them up having to go off heels and really strengthen out through the line.

“I was impressed when he knuckled down.

“We bought him from the Easter (Inglis) sale, quite cheaply we thought, for just over $200,000.

“It was good for Neville Smith, Murray and Lisa Nalder and Eddie Rigg – a really good crew – who have had to be patient.

“We did think he would be there to the races a bit earlier, and he will certainly run a mile (1600m) which he showed today.

“Theodor has a good head on his shoulders, not an overly big and robust colt, rather he is quite fine and athletic, which will help him when he gets out over more trip.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said he had always been confident of winning on Theodor.

“The tempo was a little bit muddling,” Coffey said.

“I had the option to kick up and lead, but I thought long term for the horse, I would like to teach him to relax and finish.

“I made the leaders work a bit to get there, but they then anchored up to try and get an easy time in front.

“A midrace manoeuvre threw things into a little bit of disarray.

“I was lucky enough I was on the best horse, and we were able to navigate our way out of trouble and get to the outside, then go on and win.

“Albeit for a small field, an interesting race but the right result.

“I was pretty much confident for the whole race, but he was a bit green when he hit the front.

“There is improvement there and he will be better for it.”