McEvoy set for Magic Millions after Clockwise Classic quinella
REPRESENTATIVES from the Tony McEvoy camp confirmed star pairing Despatch and Nistaan will be traveling north to compete in the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast after the duo finished first and second in the two-year-old Clockwise Classic at Ballarat.
An $8.20 shot at WilliamHill.com.au, Despatch held out the fast finishing Nistann ($3 at WilliamHill.com.au) to get the nod ahead of the short priced favourite American Genius who failed to trouble the McEvoy pairing.
Stable representative Michael Shepherdson said the pair will travel to the Gold Coast to compete in the Magic Millions after their impressive showing in the third race on the card at Ballarat.
“Both exciting types and probably two different types as well,” Shepherdson said.
“That was the sort of idea coming here with this race in mind … give them as much experience as we can and most important to get some prize money to make it worthwhile to go to the Gold Coast.
“Tony will be chucking them on the float and heading up there.”
Despatch improved significantly on his trial running around Ballarat, where he failed to run the journey out properly, but jockey Luke Nolen kept his mount up to task to secure the win.
Nolen said he gave the horse every possible chance to improve on the wayward trial.
“I was mindful of that (of the poor trial performance)… I left the inside just to make sure he rounded the corner a bit better.” Nolen said.
“He’s coped with it pretty well and that won’t be his last win.”
Despatch may have been the winner, but the McEvoy stable believes they have two potential stars of the future within their stable.
“Definitely exciting times,” Shepherdson said.
“They’ve come into the Flemington stable in good order and they’re getting a really good education.
“Tony’s brought unbelievable at the sales and it was bloody exciting today.”