Graham Fischer

THE Angaston-based training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy look to have a promising three-year-old filly in Assuming after she recorded her first victory at Gawler in last week’s race meeting.
Ridden perfectly by Jason Holder, who rode three winners on the day, Assuming ($3) scored a three-quarter length win in the Sanders Fodder Fillies & Mares Maiden over 1200m, beating Nike Belle ($2.90 fav) with Tinny Bar Blue ($3.20) a similar margin away third.
Holder had the daughter of Charge Forward away well from gate two and was able to settle her down one-out, one-back.
He asked her to improve rounding the home turn and the three place-getters drew clear, but Assuming was too strong and held her rivals at bay over the final stages.
Trainer Calvin McEvoy, on his way home after a yearling buying trip at the New Zealand sales, said he was delighted to train a winner for owners Sheamus Mills Bloodstock and Newton Thoroughbred Racing, managed by Heath Newton.
“It was a good effort by the filly,” McEvoy said.
“Jason rode her beautifully.
“We wanted to get off the fence and he got her into a beautiful position.
“Well done to the owners who are supporting the stable, she has been showing us a bit on the track but hasn’t been producing on race days.
“She knuckled down today and toughed it out… I think she will be even better when she gets out to 1400 metres.”
Holder’s other winners were New Roman for trainer Phillip Stokes in the Terrace Function Centre Maiden and Desidero for Grant Young in the Holdfast Insurance Benchmark 54 Handicap, where he won the SA Bushfire Appeal colours.