Littlebourkestreet the right address

First starter Littlebourkestreet proved the right address for connections on the Ballarat Synthetic on Tuesday, August 6.

The three-year-old filly, trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, showed great heart to score a photo-finish win in the Global Turf Maiden (1000m).

Jockey Beau Mertens used his initiative on Littlebourkestreet ($4) to take a sit on the $2.50 favourite Cool Charlie before running it down in the shadows of the post to score by a neck.

Gronar ($16) was 1-1/4 lengths away third.

After beginning only fairly, Mertens allowed Littlebourkestreet to balance up in the small field of six, settling second last, but importantly trailing the favourite which brought her into the race.

The pair had a battle in the home straight, but Littlebourkestreet gained a winning advantage in the shadows of the post.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy said it had been a tough win.

“She had to fight,” McEvoy said.

“I didn’t think she would be that far back early, and she had to do it a little bit the hard way.

“I think she will take a lot of benefit from the run. She had to learn to put a field away, and she did that.

“It was a good result, but we are looking for her to improve out of it.

“She had only had one soft jump out at home so there will be definite improvement.

“I think she can go through the grades.

“Wayne Mitchell bred her, and it was great to have another winner for him and the connections.”

Winning jockey Beau Mertens said Littlebourkestreet would learn from today’s victory.

“She didn’t step the best,” Mertens said.

“I didn’t want to give her a big and rev her up.

“She got into a good rhythm and travelled comfortably.

“It definitely made the task a bit harder than we wanted to, but in the long run it taught her to settle, be kind in her races and to finish off.

“She travelled on the bridle, and I thought I had the runner up cold turning for home.

“I felt she was going to explode and find a couple of lengths.

“I knew she was always going to get past the favourite, but I believe she is still learning her craft and will take a lot of natural progression and confidence out of today.”