2014 Alinghi Stakes Results: The Messina Nymph Wins for the McEvoys

It was a family affair in the last on Caulfield Cup Day this afternoon with progressive mare The Messina Nymph saluting for South Australian trainer Tony McEvoy and his nephew, winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy.

The Messina Nymph is Flemington bound after her Caulfield Cup Day win. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia.

Showing plenty of upside off a first-up win back home at Morphettville, Commands four-year-old The Messina Nymph absolutely bolted it in to win her first black-type trophy in the $120,000 Listed Polytrack Alinghi Stakes (1100m).

Like she did winning by three lengths last time out, The Messina Nymph ($5.50) had plenty to spare over runner-up Cradle Me ($6) from the David Pfieffer stables who was given every chance after moving up from sixth on the fence while the Peter Moody-trained Sino Eagle ($14) was awarded third in a photo with Vain Attraction.

Kerrin McEvoy was pleased to win one for his uncle today and was thrilled with the trail into the finish he got aboard the eventual winner, The Messina Nymph settled second behind front runner It’s Poets Day.

McEvoy peeled his mare out wide on the turn for home before she got into the clear and took off with a blistering turn of foot and plenty of power in the motor to leave them behind.

“Nice to win one for the family,” he said.

“Tony gave her a good chance today.

“She’s run some nice races in not too bad company.

“She drew wide today…she sat second, travelled like a winner and was never going to get beaten.

“Like to think there’s a race for her at Flemington or something.

“There is a little bit of improvement there so Tony’s got something to work with going forward.”

Plans are now to take The Messina Nymph to Flemington Racecourse during the Melbourne Cup Carnival targeting the $200,000 Group 3 Begonia Belle Stakes (1100m), formerly the GH Mumm Stakes, down the straight on Crown Oaks Day, November 6.

“She’s always shown really a lot of talent,” the winning trainer said.

“She’s been physically hard to get there but she’s got good cruising speed and good ability.

“We’ll take her to Flemington, there’s a race on Oaks Day.

“I won’t have to trainer her, just keep her nice and sweet, 1100m down the straight.”

With Caulfield Cup Day done and dusted attention now turns to Moonee Valley next weekend for Cox Plate Day – Ladbrokes.com.au running their $3million Megapick on the last eight races of the meeting again!