Ussuri’s positive sign

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy and jockey Barend Vorster celebrated a Queen’s birthday holiday double at Murray Bridge when Sign Of Ussuri thrashed his rivals on Monday, June 8.

After winning earlier with first starter Mr Wolf, the trainers and jockey had Sign Of Ussuri well placed back in South Australia in the Bridge Events Centre Class Two Handicap (1400m) and he finished a five-length winner.

Well backed as a $2.30 favourite, the three-year-old beat Auman Zou ($5.50) with Appollo Jet ($11), three-quarters of a length away third.

Vorster had Sign Of Ussuri away well and the gelding settled third on the rails trailing the two leaders.

Turning for home, he eased the three-year-old off the inside and Sign Of Ussuri quickly put paid to the opposition sprinting away to win easily.

The joy was evident in the voice of trainer Calvin McEvoy.

“That was what we knew he possessed,” McEvoy said.

“He has been a little bit frustrating mixing his form but today he loved being back in South Australia, on a better track and down in class.

“But it also was a great effort because he carried 61kg and was able to put a gap on the field.

“We believe he is definitely a Melbourne city class performer and I’m sure today’s win will give him a lot of confidence.

“We’ll look to give him another positive result to build his profile but ultimately I’m sure he can measure up in stronger fields.

“Sign of Ussuri ran well at Sandown in April but then was disappointing at Werribee so we brought him home and today’s race looked perfect for him.

“The way he sprinted away over the final 100 metres was really encouraging.”