Tommy top of the pops
There is another Tommy hitting the headlines following the Ballarat races on Sunday, October 15.
Back in 1969, famous English group The Who released a successful album called Tommy which eventually became a rock opera featuring a song about a pinball wizard.
Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy have the job of being training wizards to transform thoroughbred Tommy into a racetrack star.
Purchased from New Zealand, the racehorse Tommy won his second start under the care of the McEvoys in the James Vac Solutions Benchmark 64 Handicap (2000m), ridden by Harry Coffey.
On course to cheer him home were many members of the MyRacehorse No 1 group, part of the ownership group.
Coffey had Tommy cruising along in second spot before asking him to improve coming off the back.
A few challengers loomed but Tommy repelled them easily and bounded away.
A well backed $1.80 favourite, Tommy dashed clear win by three lengths from Mercante ($13) with Seasons In De Sun ($7.50) a short neck away third.
Trainer Tony McEvoy said it was very exciting to be training for the many members of the MyRacehorse group.
“They do a really good job MyRacehorse, the way they run their shop,” McEvoy said.
“These people on course are getting the chance to taste the racing game at the top level.
“We’ve got a really nice young stayer here, he is going to take us on a real journey I think.
“That was fabulous today, a really good ride by Harry (Coffey). He took control of the race, and it was a really lovely watch.”
McEvoy said the five-year-old had been well sourced.
“Rayan Moore (Racing Manager) had a lot to do with that along with Ben Willis.
“They found this young horse and we were able to buy him at a reasonable price, and I think he is progressive stayer.
“I enjoyed the win today, and there is more to come.
“The further you can run, the easier they are to win. There is a lot of pressure in races up to a mile (1600m).
“I know there are a lot of imports here now that have got better staying blood than what we can produce in Australia, but these Kiwis can still produce good stayers and we are just finding them now.”
McEvoy said the plan had initially been to go to 2400 metres with Tommy but changed their minds and settled for the Ballarat race.
“There is a mile and a half race at Geelong on Geelong Cup day and we might still consider that if he does well.
“He had a good day out today and I can see no reason why he can’t run on the (October) 25th.”
Winning jockey Harry Coffey enjoyed Tommy’s victory for the MyRacehorse owners.
“He is a nice horse,” Coffey said.
“Early on he was a little bit hot and fiery, but today he behaved really well.
“We saw a good side of Tommy and he was really strong through the line.
“It was a nice staying performance. He did control the race, but it is a nice trait to have to do that from the front.
“We have a big group of owners here. When he won early on the syntho there was a good group, but I think there is more here today.
“There will be plenty of fun to be had with him.”