Keepsake an emerging star

Talented filly Keepsake was an easy winner of an aptly named race at Ballarat on Thursday, October 24.

The Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Keepsake took out the Magic Millions Three-Year-Old Fillies Maiden (1200m) which was heat two of the Emerging Stars Series, and she certainly does look suited to that title.

The daughter of Snitzel, having just her second start, jumped well and crossed to lead under jockey Luke Currie, and dashed away in the home straight.

Backed from $2.15 into $2 favourite, Keepsake cruised home 2-1/4 lengths clear of Rockin’ At Midnite ($31) with Regal Secret ($5.50) a half-length away third.

The filly had trialled in excellent fashion before her debut at Caulfield in October 12 where she was caught wide and had little luck, but at Ballarat, she gave nothing else a chance.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy was delighted with Keepsake’s win.

“That was a pleasing result,” McEvoy said.

“We had expected her to go close at Caulfield but decided to drop her back to maiden grade today.

“Albeit it was worth $75,000. I would like to thank John and Paul Messara and Arrowfield Stud and their partners for entrusting us with this filly. Keepsake has a terrific pedigree, and she will go on with it.

“She still raced a little greenly when the pressure went on, but I think she will continue to improve.

“When she continues to step up in grade, and the pace of the race gets a bit better, she will measure up.

“A shout out to the team at home, she presented beautifully today, and also to the barrier guys here in Victoria, she has been a bit of a handful but today was on her best behaviour.

“We will now give consideration to running Keepsake in the Red Roses at Flemington in an attempt to secure black type.”

Winning jockey Luke Currie was suitably impressed by Keepsake.

“Her trial form had been good, but she was a little disappointing on debut,” Currie said.

“Back in grade today and the win will give her confidence going forward.

“From what I have been told her manners around the back of the barrier have made her hard work, but the guys got up with her today and she was perfect.

“The first time in shades (blinkers), she flew the machine.

“Really, I was a passenger early, she put herself where she wanted to.

“I tried to back it off a bit then quicken away, and she was never going to get beaten.

“She quickened well, but late, being on her own, she might have got a little bit lost.”