Wrigley Field wins again

Trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy landed a pre-Melbourne Cup day double when Wrigley Field finished best to win at Sportsbet Ballarat on Monday, November 3.

The McEvoys, who have Caulfield Cup winner Half Yours as a strong fancy in the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup in less than 24 hours, saw Wrigley Field follow up a win earlier on the Ballarat program with Pacific Glamour.

Ridden by Luke Currie, the three-year-old came from the rear of the field to win the Hygain Winners Choice Benchmark 62 Handicap (1400m) on the heavy nine-rated track.

A well backed $2.60 favourite, Wrigley Field warmed up down the outside to grab a length win from Mere Morsel ($7) with Battaglia ($5), 1-1/4 lengths away third.

The gelding showed no early speed and settled well back off the pace early.

Currie allowed him to race up behind the leaders turning for home then pulled him to the extreme outside. Once in the open, Wrigley Field responded and raced up to claim the lead and go on to score.

Rayan Moore, Racing Manager for McEvoy Mitchell, said Wrigley Field was from a family that loved wet tracks.

“It was a tough watch,” Moore said.

“The first 200 metres he couldn’t get going at all.

“He has got to iron that out if we want to go up in trip, also up in class.

“He is still learning his craft, but it was good to get a win for John and Anne McDonnell, they have been long time clients and raced his brother Frankie Pinot with us, and he was a swimmer.

“This guy looked like he really appreciated the wet track today.

“Luke (Currie) had to make a long, sustained run on him.

“It was a searching run and he found plenty, it was a strong win.

Winning jockey Luke Currie said Wrigley Field still had plenty of improvement to come.

“He trotted out of the gates, and I had to get him up and going,” Currie said.

“He travelled okay, on and off the bridle. When they quickened up he came off the bridle.

“I came up behind them, then went to the outside. When I did he went past them but then wanted to roll in and just looked around.

“He is still pretty raw.

“Wrigley Field handled the going and I think he will be better when he gets out a bit further, but he still has a bit to learn.

“It was a nice effort.”