Tony’s faith justified

Trainer Tony McEvoy deserves congratulations for the win of Dillinger on the Caulfield Heath track on Wednesday, April 16.

McEvoy always had the faith that Dillinger could win in the city and striking five-year-old duly delivered in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (1800m).

In a thrilling finish, Dillinger ($13) scored by a nose from Oxford Blue ($3.70) with Blushing Tycoon ($18) a head away third.

Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, and ridden by Harry Coffey, the flashy chestnut jumped well from gate four and was able to settle third on the fence behind a good tempo.

Coffey eased the gelding off the fence turning for home and Dillinger slowly took ground off the leader to grab the front in the shadows of the post. The runner up lunged late but just failed.

Trainer Tony McEvoy said it was a special win by Dillinger.

“We have really had to persevere with this fellow,” McEvoy said.

“There have been a lot of times through the journey where a lot of people wanted to move him on and get out of him because they didn’t think he was good enough.

“I had faith in the horse and most of the people stuck with him.

“I am very proud of the horse that he has come to town and won a race for us.

“His record reads well. He has got a great racing style, he maps well, and he had a beautiful trip today.

“He stuck that beautiful head of his out at the right time.

He had to fight for us, and he won the fight which is fabulous.”

Winning jockey Harry Coffey said Dillinger had been courageous.

“I’ve only come along midway through his career, but the owners have been very patient,” Coffey said.

“It is always rewarding when you get a city win with a horse that the owners have put a lot of time into.

“I’m sure Tony, Calvin and the whole team have been asking them to stay patient and when you get a city win it makes it all worthwhile.

“There wasn’t much in it at the finish but lucky enough we got the win.

“He had a good run but I was a bit unsure of him at 1800 (metres), but he proved me wrong.

“I tried to ride him as relaxed as possible but also in a position where he could win.

“I was wondering halfway up the straight whether he was going to run it out. To his credit, he got into a battle with that horse out wide and got his head down at the right time.

“It opens the door he might get out over further, it is just good to see him racing in good heart and stringing a couple (of wins) together.