Tochka too quick

Fast filly Tochka and jockey Linda Meech renewed their winning association on the Sportsbet -Ballarat Synthetic track on Thursday, May 22.

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, the three-year-old has won three races from seven starts and each time, Meech has been in the saddle.

The pair combined for a maiden win at Warracknabeal on August 31 last year then reunited for a victory in a benchmark 58 at Kilmore on March 14 this year before joining up for today’s Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic win.

Tochka ($4.20) jumped well from her outside gate in the Hygain Winners Choice Benchmark 64 Handicap (1000m) and led throughout to score by a neck from Attaboom ($9) with Just Remember It ($3.10 fav),1-1/2 lengths away third.

The filly had a good lead turning for home and despite the final margin was never seriously challenged.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said it had been great to have another win for the MyRacehorse ownership groups with Tochka.

“It was nice to get this filly over the line,” McEvoy said.

“The win was for a big group of owners for MyRacehorse, they are great supporters not only of our stable but the industry.

“There are quite a few of the owners who have braved the cold to watch her win.

“Linda (Meech) is three for three on this filly, so she has a good affinity with her.

“Tochka was disappointing last start, and we thought she might like the poly because she does a lot of work on it.

“She has got good speed but drew an awkward barrier – Linda put the foot down to find the front.

“I thought she was pretty tough because normally when she is under pressure from a long way out, she can capitulate.

Winning jockey Linda Meech said it had been important to find the front despite coming from the extreme outside draw.

“She is very fast, there are not many tricks to her,” Meech said.

“She handled the poly track really well.

“Tochka is very fast and when she can get across on her own terms she is very good.

“She tries really hard when she can dictate, she puts her head out.

“Good luck to the owners, they are having a lot of fun with her.

“She is very speedy but does not have a lot of stamina, so you have to work to her strengths.

“Rivals have to chase her, and it is tough because she is very fast.”