The instructions were to ride her where she felt most comfortable, and that sweet spot came late – but it’s better late than never.
That was the sentiment in the Tony and Calvin McEvoy camp after their five-year-old Silent Sovereign prevailed by a third of a length in the $202,250 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville.
Driving performance by Silent Sovereign to capture the Group 2 Queen of the South Stakes over 1600m at Morphettville for @mcevoymitchell. Retained to race, it’s a 5th victory (2nd at Group level) and over $500k in stakes for the Dalakhani mare. pic.twitter.com/uMBviyY4DB
— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) May 7, 2022
Jockey John Allen judged the ride to perfection, letting his mare fire late, five wide and inside the final 150m.
“She probably hit a bit of a flat spot around the corner, but we really grounded it out good,” he told Racing.com.
“We were in front and she was having a little look around late, but she did enough to hold on.
“First-time blinkers might’ve done the trick. We had a nice ride with cover.”
McEvoy stable foreperson Sarah Rutten was delighted with the way Allen followed his trainers’ wishes.
“Tony’s instructions were just blinkers first time and she could be a little keen – just let her jump out and ride her where she’s comfortable and he (Allen) did just that,” she said.
“He didn’t find any traffic and led her all around the field, and she was strong late.
“She’s loved this track. Oakbank (third in the $54,750 Queen of the Hills Handicap over 1400m on April 16) just didn’t suit her. This track is much more suited to her.
“She likes the big rolling tracks where she can just get rolling from further back. She doesn’t have a lot of sprint, so this really suited her today.
“It’s great to see this lovely mare get another win.”
From this victory, it seems as though Silent Sovereign can be competitive over 2000m in the Dominant Centaurea Stakes at Morphettville on May 21.
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