Aspect showed an impressive turn-of-foot to make his racing debut with a strong victory in the 2016 Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington this afternoon.
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy was able to steer Aspect to victory in the 2016 Maribyrnong Plate. Photo by: Steve Hart
Kerrin McEvoy rode Aspect very patiently and saved the son of Pluck for the final crack at them with 100 metres left to run, which proved to be the winning move as he finished over the top of Wait For No One.
McEvoy has had a huge week – after winning the Melbourne Cup with Almandin on Tuesday – and he said after the race that he was very pleased with the feel that he received from the son of Pluck in the Maribyrnong Plate.
“He performed well in a jump out down the straight,” McEvoy said.
“He gave me a nice feel in that and he has given me a much better feel today under race conditions.
“He is not just a speed horse, so he might get out a little bit further, and he has a lovely way about him.
“I got a nice drag up behind him, he peeled out off the back of Hayes’ thing and he picked up really well.
“There is more to come from him.
Trainer Tony McEvoy said before the race that he thought Azazel had the edge on Aspect ahead of the Maribyrnong Plate, but Aspect clearly handled the Flemington straight better than his stablemate.
McEvoy was happy with Aspect ahead of the Maribyrnong Plate, but he admitted that he was surprised with the effort of the two-year-old that will now be set for either the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) or the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m).
“Azazel from the outset was wanting to go left,” McEvoy said.
“Unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to give him a look at the straight whereas I did with Aspect and it really showed the benefit.
“He raced like a professional horse today and when he got to the front he went as straight as gun barrel.
“He is a very good quality colt and he really impressed me with his length of stride in the finish.
“That is his career best for me and I have been watching him since we broke him in.
“It is really nice when you come to the races and they can put up their best.
“I am going to put them aside – the big dance is in the autumn for two-year-olds.
“We will set them for the Slipper or the Diamond.”
Cao Cao found the line strongly to finish second at big odds, while Wait For No One toughed it out to finish third.
