Tommy rocks Ballarat
Former New Zealand galloper Tommy made a winning debut for trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy on the Ballarat Synthetic on Tuesday, August 15.
A five-year-old, Tommy had only raced race three times before joining the McEvoys, and actually only had his first start on December 31 last year.
His victory gave the trainers a Ballarat double having won earlier with Carnival Row.
Ridden by Harry Coffey, who was also aboard the McEvoy’s previous winner, Tommy jumped well from gate one in the Hygain Winners Choice Benchmark 64 Handicap (1500m) and settled third on the fence.
Coffey angled him into the clear past the 400-metre mark and after taking the lead, the gelding was particularly strong over the final 100 metres.
Tommy ($2.20 fav) drew clear to win by 1-1/4 lengths from Governor Landy ($21) with Devil Dan ($14), three-quarters of a length away third.
The winner is part-owned by the successful MyRacehorse group, and many were on course to cheer Tommy to victory.
Trainer Calvin McEvoy is excited about stretching Tommy out in distance.
“That was really pleasing,” McEvoy said.
“We were a little bit nervous because we know he is going to be much better over further.
“The 1500 (metres) was the only reservation but Harry (Coffey) rode him beautifully.
“Tommy travelled well and managed to get the job done.
“He presented well but this run will really bring him on.
“He has got a good crew of owners, some stable clients, MyRacehorse, Tony Clift and Peter Orrico.
“We bought him from New Zealand. Wayne Ormond put him to us, then Rayan Moore got the deal done.
“He will continue to get better, and I think he will get to town when he gets out to 2000 metres.”
Winning jockey Harry Coffey was also excited about the victory.
“It was a really nice win,” Coffey said.
“My Racehorse do a really great job with their team and get a lot of people involved, and hopefully he might be potentially a good purchase from New Zealand.
“I don’t think he could have won much better; he was really strong through the line.
“I have trialled him a few times, I don’t mind the horse and so hopefully there is some fun ahead for all the crew.
“I don’t want to push Calvin’s (McEvoy) barrow too much, but he has been pretty spot on with everything he has said about this horse has ended up happening.
“He said today not to be too cocky and confident, you need to wind him up, he’s very one-paced.
“Don’t leave him too much to do, and Calvin was spot on, it took him a while to get into top gear.
“The last 100 metres was very good, he was strong through the line, and while they are winning like that there is potential to get anywhere.
“Hopefully he can and perform in better races.”