Valiant Vixenette

A perfect ride by jockey Luke Currie enabled Vixenette to score an impressive win at Sportsbet Ballarat on Monday, October 6.

After settling midfield on the fence in the Manhari Benchmark 56 Handicap (1400m), Currie was able to angle the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained mare into the clear approaching the home turn, before taking her to the middle of the track in the straight.

Once in the open, Vixenette ($2.80 fav) let down superbly to race clear and score by 1-1/4 lengths from Summer Night ($41) with Anchor Dawn ($10), a long neck away third.

It was the four-year-old mare’s second win from just 10 starts with four placings as well.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said the victory would be a confidence booster for Vixenette.

“It was a beautiful ride, and back down to 56 grade with blinkers on suited,” McEvoy said.

“It was a lovely ride from Luke (Currie) and a pretty easy watch.

“They were in a bit of a rush early and he was able to ride her where she was comfortable.

“I actually asked him to be more positive but didn’t realise there would be so much early tempo.

“Vixenette is a mare that has been racing consistently without breaking through.

“A shout out to owner Bob Kruse who has been under the weather so he will enjoy the win.

“She has been a mare that has been strong in her work at home and that is why we have been reluctant to put the shades on.”

Winning jockey Luke Currie Vixenette had loved the early tempo in the race.

“With the blinkers on I didn’t want to overdo it and get her racing,” Currie said.

“I was happy with the speed because she was settled in the run.

“With the field being spread I was able to work her to the outside and she was too strong.

“Because they had gone to quick she was able to scoop the leaders up easily.

“She did not shirk the task late.

“She hit the front out wide and wobbled a little bit but kept going strongly through the line.”