Three-quarters of Jye Mcneil’s Sandown book of rides were scratched because of the damp conditions but the Melbourne Cup winning jockey was still happy to head to Sandown.
His solitary ride was aboard the Hawkes Racing-trainedĀ AltivoĀ who did not let the jockey down with his comfortable win in the Evergreen Turf Handicap (1400m) on Wednesday.
“The rain took away a few of my rides today, but I was still excited to be coming here to ride this horse today after watching what he’s done up in Sydney,” McNeil said.
“He was very impressive today.”
Sent out the $4 favourite,Ā AltivoĀ raced to a 2-Ā¾ length win fromĀ HelmitonĀ ($8) with Ebony King ($6) a nose away third.
AltivoĀ remains unbeaten after Wednesday’s first-up win followingĀ victoriesĀ at Newcastle and Hawkesbury at his firstĀ campaign.
McNeil said the future looks bright forĀ Altivo, especially as the gelding was still green.
“They went steady early on and he got a bit keen, but I elected to let him roll and sit three-wide with cover and after that he got into a great rhythm,” McNeil said.
“He was able to put the race away without really knowing how to do it.
“He’s aĀ really bigĀ strong horse with a big action and he handled the conditions well today.”
McNeil said he hopesĀ AltivoĀ takesĀ benefit out of Wednesday’s win as he had a look around onceĀ strikingĀ the front.
He said he would also appreciate having something to chase.
“When the races get more difficult you would like to see him work it out and get to know what to do,” McNeil said.
“TheĀ stableĀ just asked me to look at his replays as he wasĀ pretty greenĀ last preparationĀ and he was again todayĀ andĀ heĀ had a good look around over the final stages, but I think that adds credit to the win.
“I’m surprised that he can race that greenly and keep winningĀ andĀ I think that’sĀ impressive.
“I think the future is bright for him.”
