The United States to target Longines Mile after Moonee Valley win
IT might not have been the target Team Williams had hoped for this spring with The United States, but the seven-year-old showed its class when winning the Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The plan for The United States was to either run in the Cox Plate or the Melbourne Cup, but off-the-course problems caused Robert Hickmott and Team Williams to set their targets a little lower.
The son of Galileo was the class horse of the field having won the Ranvet Stakes last preparation and punters were able to secure a great price of $3.20 at Bet365.com.au.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy produced a stunning ride aboard The United States and he made it look easier than it was. It settled last in the 1600m race with Royal Rapture on its outside and McEvoy used his skill to push out from the pocket and launch a run around the outside of runners.
It proved to be the winning of the race and McEvoy is confident about another Williams-owned runner in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.
“Just a but sticky early. I was able to duck down inside of Royal Rapture, I had a big strong horse and pushed him out, it was just a matter of getting him mobile,” McEvoy said.
“I’m feeling good. Nice to get a couple of winners under your belt. Got Gallante in the next for Lloyd (Williams) so that’ll be good.”
Co-owner Nick Williams gave credit to his team and is looking to aim The United States at the Longines Mile at Flemington later this spring carnival.
“You know what, it’s a great credit to all our staff at Macedon Lodge,” Williams said. “Kerrin rode it beautifully, it wasn’t much more than a track gallop.
“He’s by Galileo, he’s out of a fantastic Pivotal mare, he’s got a turn of foot, you’d think I’m trying to sell him, but right now he’s not for sale because he has to win the Emirates yet.”
Williams weighed up on which runner he thought would win the 2016 Cox Plate at 5pm.
“I think Winx should be $1.50, she’s clearly the best horse in the race.”
Punters are getting better value than that with CrownBet which is offering $1.80 for Winx.