Yulong the Star

Trainer Tony McEvoy was delighted to prepare his first winner for the Yu Long Investments team when Yulong Star scored at Morphettville on Friday, December 14.

It was a McEvoy quinella with Yulong Star ($3.20), ridden by apprentice Chris Caserta, arriving in the last bound to beat stablemate Vietti ($1.90 fav) by a short half head with Shining Brightly ($101), 2-1/4 lengths away third in the Geoff Merrill Wines Maiden (1050m).

“Both fillies ran really well,” McEvoy said, “but Yulong Star, with the benefit of a run under her belt was able to grab a narrow win.

“The winner was sent to me for a stakes (Cinderella Stakes) race earlier this year but did it all wrong and was never a chance.

“The owners left her with me and I’m hopeful she will develop into a black type performer.

“She settled well today and ran through the line strongly. She still wanders around a bit but judging by today’s win will be suited over even more ground.”

McEvoy said he was also very happy with the effort of the runner-up Vietti.

“She was caught three wide without cover and left a sitting shot over the final stages and it took Yulong Star until the last stride to catch her.

“I’m sure she is a coming winner.”