Apprentice Matt McGillivray’s decision to split his time between Sydney and Brisbane has paid dividends with Dream Choice winning at Eagle Farm.
Dream Choice ($7.50) made up six lengths in the straight to beat Into the Red ($4.80) by 1-1/4 lengths in the Northside Women’s Health Handicap.
McGillivray was apprenticed to Barry Baldwin in Brisbane but decided to switch to John Sargent in Sydney last month.
“I have ridden a few winners in Sydney but during the spring carnival it is hard for apprentices to get rides on Saturdays,” McGillivray said.
“So I decided to ride in NSW during the weeks and up here on Saturdays.
“I enjoy riding in Sydney. I have four rides at Cessnock on Monday and more during the week. It is good to ride trackwork with the top jockeys.”
Dream Choice has proved a great money spinner since he was sent north from Sydney to Eagle Farm trainer Robert Heathcote.
“He has reached his right level here and should be able to win a few more,” Heathcote said.
Apprentice Josh Oliver said Into the Red had travelled strongly in second place and he had tried to hold him up for as long as he could in the straight.
Gold Coast trainer Bruce Hill also completed a double for leading owners Mike Buys and Robert Willis when Taillevent ($3.60) scored.
“Taillevent has always shown ability and he put his foot in a hole his only start at the new Eagle Farm so that run can be forgotten,” said Hill who earlier won with Bodega Negra.
Kelvin Hickmott didn’t back his mare War Baby but the trainer wasn’t surprised she shortened from $31 to $13 before she won the Mirvac Ascot Green Handicap (1400m).
“Someone is a good judge but I didn’t back her,” Hickmott said.
Meanwhile, tough northern rivers stayer Anton En Avant ($7) will be kept for races at Eagle Farm after scoring his second win on the track.
“I have always sad he was an Eagle Farm horse and he is really showing it now,” trainer Stephen Lee said.
