Gallant Jyoti claims Stakes glory

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN filly Jyoti delivered one of the most courageous efforts seen in a two-year-old race in Tasmania in ages to win the $150,000 Listed Alfa Gold Sovereign Stakes in Launceston last night. The Tony and Calvin McEvoytrained filly was heavily backed to start the $1.80 favourite and with Jamie Kah aboard, the daughter of Akeed Mofeed filly hit the front at the top of the straight and defied all challengers to score comfortably from Gee Gee Josie and Avenue of Pleasure. “That was a very courageous effort and while it didn’t surprise me, it was an amazing win,” McEvoy said from Melbourne after the race. “Our plan was to send her to Tassie to try and get some black type and it is mission accomplished. “We will more than likely take her back to Adelaide. “And we’ll target some 2YO races at Morphettville.” Kah had the filly ideally placed just off the speed and when they fanned wide into the turn, she aimed Jyoti at the rail and she sped clear to put a couple of lengths on her rivals. “When they came at her she just dug so deep and on the line she was going better than anything else,” Kah said. “I’m sure this filly has a future and I am always pleased to get a winner for Tony and Calvin.” Gee Gee Josie (Anthony Darmanin) ran on gamely to finish second ahead of the David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained filly Avenue of Pleasure, ridden by Jason Maskiell.

WHITE HAWK won his way into the Launceston Cup with a game win over Settler’s Stone in the Night Cup over 2100m.