Ballarat trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy are counting on Bossy Nic’s preference for straight-track racing to play a key role when she returns to Flemington.
After securing victory at Flemington in her last start, Bossy Nic is set to compete in the VOBIS Gold Comet (1000m) this Saturday.
This exclusive race is open only to VOBIS Gold-qualified horses and has attracted a field of nine contenders.
With a total prize pool of $175,000—of which the winner claims $96,250—there is also an additional $23,000 owner’s bonus for eligible horses.
“We’re chasing the big VOBIS money. She’s in great shape, and she loves the straight,” Tony McEvoy said.
Bossy Nic has maintained a steady form this campaign, which began at Ballarat in December. This weekend’s race will mark her sixth start this preparation.
Following a placing at Flemington on January 18, the McEvoy training duo stepped her up to Group 3 level at Sandown, where she finished tenth behind Oakleigh Plate runner-up She’s Bulletproof on February 1.
Dropping back in class for her next run, Bossy Nic delivered an impressive win over 1200m at Flemington on February 15.
McEvoy acknowledged that reducing the distance for Saturday’s race poses a challenge, but the lucrative prize purse made it a worthwhile gamble.
“Coming back to 1000 metres is a bit of a risk, but with this being a restricted VOBIS race, the competition shouldn’t be too tough,” McEvoy said.
“We’ve kept her fresh, mainly doing dressage and swimming, so she should be spot on for race day.”
Beau Mertens, who guided Bossy Nic to victory in her last outing, will once again take the reins on Saturday.