Living the dream

Diplomatic Measure achieved a trio of firsts at Port Lincoln on Friday, March 6.

The first was notching a win in the Riviera Marine Benchmark 62 Handicap (1390m).

The second was a victory for co-trainers Tony & Calvin McEvoy with their first runner at the Eyre Peninsula track.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, Diplomatic Measure was the first of the “Dare To Dream” syndicate horses to win in South Australia.

It was a fact trainer Tony McEvoy was very happy to acknowledge.

“This (Dare To Dream) is a good iniaitive by Thoroughbred Racing in South Australia,” McEvoy said.

“It gets people involved and there are some lads here from Adelaide.

“I’m really pleased to be part of it, and they are trying to increase the state’s ownership base.”

Diplomatic Measure ($3), ridden by apprentice Lachlan Neindorf, shared the lead early before sprinting away in the home straight and was able to hold off the challenge by High Mist ($2.90 fav) to score by a half-length with Taskmaster ($14), three lengths away third.

He’s taken his time this fellow, he’s got some talent,” McEvoy said.

“He’s a growing horse and was a bit immature early on so we decided to give him a nice break.

“First time around this track is always a bit difficult so he’s done a great job.”

Winning jockey Lachlan Neindorf said he had not been in a hurry to get to the inside early.

“I didn’t want to hustle and bustle him early.

“I managed to get across with one horse in my inside but wasn’t going to rev him up to cross it.

“I let him stroll down the back before crossing to the lead and another horse came up.

“We relaxed and got into a nice rhythm and got a cheap sectional before we turned.

“When the runner-up moved up, I thought it would be close, but he fought back.

“I felt he still had a gear underneath me.

“I gave him a slap coming round the turn but didn’t really want to go for him until I had him balanced.”