Apprentice Chelsea MacFarlane received a belated birthday present with her first metropolitan double at Sandown.
MacFarlane, who turned 23 on Monday, took out the final two races on Wednesday’s program for trainer Tony McEvoy.
A $26 chance, Despacito took out The Big Screen Company Handicap before the $2.70 favourite Aristocratic Miss scored narrowly in the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap.
Apprenticed to Nathan Hobson in Swan Hill, Wednesday’s double provided MacFarlane with her sixth metropolitan success.
McEvoy has been watching MacFarlane over recent weeks and thought her 3kg claim was important in helping his two fillies on Wednesday.
“Chelsea’s been riding really well and we keep an eye on these young apprentices coming through,” McEvoy said.
“And that three kilos is a real advantage when you’re riding in the form like Chelsea is.
“I like the way she positions her horses in the run and she’s very strong.”
MacFarlane was appreciative of the opportunity afforded by McEvoy and hopes to improve her record with the stable, and in town, during the winter months.
“That’s the first lap of the three kilos down so hopefully we can work on building the winners,” she said.
