McNeil, True Mettle looking to kick on after drought-breaking win
After returning to the winners’ circle in style at Werribee on Sunday, jockey Logan McNeil is hoping another country cup title is not far away.
The apprentice rider helped True Mettle finish strongly, winning a 0-58 Handicap by three-quarters of a length in the last of a seven-race card.
It was McNeil’s first victory since taking out the Burrumbeet Cup with Ashy Boy on New Year’s Day.
“Running super. We had a beautiful run in transit,” McNeil told HorseBetting.com.au when asked about True Mettle’s second win from 27 starts.
“Jumped well and we had a good run in behind them.
“The gap came at the top of the straight and he took it quite easily, and he was very good through the line.”
Werribee R7 replay | 12/2/2023 | True Mettle (1st)
True Mettle also broke a win drought.
Before Sunday, the last time he saluted was in a Maiden Plate over 1000m at Cranbourne on March 6, 2020.
“Hopefully that gives him a bit of confidence now and he can go on with it,” McNeil said.
Despite the 21-year-old triumphing for the first time in six weeks, he is not short on confidence having posted 104 career wins.
He enjoyed stepping up to Listed level with Sebonna in the Premier’s Plate at Morphettville on February 11, his seven-year-old gelding crossing the line in seventh place.
The developing hoop will happily take his next chance at that grade, or in another country cup.
“Very happy with how things are ticking along. Hopefully I’ll get a few more opportunities, but it’s going well,” he said.
“I’m looking towards it (another start in a country cup or Listed race), but you never know in this game and industry.
“Hopefully another one’s not far away.”
McNeil recalled his victory by one-fifth of a length with Ashy Boy in the Burrumbeet Cup with a smile.
“It was super that day. Ashy Boy was very tough,” he said.
“It was an on-pacers’ race and he sat second. We got going quite early and he held on, which was very good.”
The runner-up from last year’s Tasmanian Derby is currently enjoying a spell.
“He’s out in the paddock and having some time off. Hopefully he comes back bigger and better,” McNeil said.