Marvel McEvoy in double form
Kerrin McEvoy benefited in part from Godolphin’s electric run of form by grabbing a double at Lingfield.
While Frankie Dettori as the team’s first-choice rider partnered two of the Saeed bin Suroor’s three winners at York, McEvoy was sent to the Surrey track.
But the Australian ace was seen to best effect on an outside ride as he threaded the consistent 3-1 joint-favourite Matsunosuke through the eye of a needle to land the ladbrokes.com For The Best Online Bingo Handicap.
Carrying a 6lb penalty from a recent win at Wolverhampton, he doubled up by a cosy length from Osiris Way.
Handler Alan Coogan reported: “Kerrin gave him a great ride. He balanced him very well, but he’s not a difficult horse.
“There’s not much left for him now but we’ll try to find something.”
Godolphin’s strike came through Storm Force in division one of the Norman Hill Memorial Maiden Stakes.
Evidently unfancied at 10-1, the Cape Cross colt quickened smartly clear and was eased down to collect by nearly four lengths.
McEvoy said: “He’s done well to win first time out. It was only a slow early pace so I hope he doesn’t get murdered for it.”
There was a blow for Godolphin, however, when their big-money purchase Jalil was picked off in the final strides of the ladbrokes.com Leads The Way Handicap by Steve Drowne and the William Jarvis-trained Troubadour (25-1).
Drowne managed his own brace when pouncing late aboard Risque Heights (6-1) in the ladbrokes.com For The Best Online Casino Handicap.
Division two of the maiden was taken with conviction by Jeremy Noseda’s 10-11 favourite The Which Doctor, who only had to be shaken up by Tom Queally to build on his debut second at Newmarket.
Successful owner Gary Stevens said: “The plan agreed with Jeremy before was to come here and then give him a break.
“He’s something to look forward to next season.”
Experts reckoned they had not seen too many grey Nayefs from the first-season sire’s crop but he has produced a fair prospect in Comeback Queen, winner of the ladbrokes.com For The Best Bet In Play Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
Returned at a nibbled-at 20-1, Sylvester Kirk’s charge sped away by a length and three-quarters from 5-2 favourite Heritage Coast.
Rider Liam Keniry said: “They did not go much of a gallop but she’s picked up really well. She’s still green, so you have to be pleased.”
Barney McGrew (15-2) obliged in the Ladbrokes Freephone Betting On 0800 777 888 Handicap for Oscar Urbina and James Toller, although his owner Martin Whelton had to wait until the gelding had left the winner’s enclosure as he is allergic to horses.
The ladbrokes.com For The Best Online Poker Handicap was run at a snail’s pace, eventually going to John Egan aboard the Stan Moore-trained Polish Power (14-1).
