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-trained Altivo 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, Altivo raced to a 2-¾ length win from Helmiton ($8) with Ebony King ($6) a nose away third.
Altivo remains unbeaten after Wednesday’s first-up win following victories at Newcastle and Hawkesbury at his first campaign.
McNeil said the future looks bright for 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 a really big strong horse with a big action and he handled the conditions well today.”
McNeil said he hopes Altivo takes benefit out of Wednesday’s win as he had a look around once striking 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.
“The stable just asked me to look at his replays as he was pretty green last preparation and he was again today and he 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 winning and I think that’s impressive.
“I think the future is bright for him.”
