McEvoys double down in Maribyrnong Plate

Race experience was to the fore in Tuesday’s Maribyrnong Plate, when Dublin Down edged out his stablemate Blue Stratum, and trainer Calvin McEvoy is now even more excited about what the future might hold for the pair.

The Ballarat horseman, who trains in partnership with his father Tony, is confident both horses will acquit themselves in better races later in the career after filling the quinella in the $200,000 Group 3.

Dublin Down, a son of Exceedance, wore down Blue Point colt Blue Stratum in the 1000-metre event to register his maiden win at start number three in what has been a busy start to the season for the colt.

“It is a job to get these two-year-olds up and going and to handle it on an occasion like today and both of our colts handled it beautifully,” he said.

“These are horses that are going to get better and the winner, he’s going to be a lovely horse. A Guineas-style of horse next year.

“Blue Stratum was fantastic. I saw that he hit the front and experience just got him beat. He’s a nice horse as well. They’re different styles of horses and two we’re very happy to have in training.”

Dublin Down ($11), who was the first runner for Exceedance when he finished fourth in the Debutant Stakes at Caulfield last month, secured the honour of being the Vinery stallion’s first winner with his head victory over Blue Stratum ($3.90) in 55.19 seconds.

Third, just a long-head away, was Night Of Thunder colt Odinson ($4.80).

Zac Purton, who partnered Dublin Down, said there was plenty of merit to the win of the $370,000 Magic Millions purchase from Edinburgh Park.

“I think the pace through the mid-stages helped,” he said.

“My bloke relaxed a little bit, came into it at the right time. He just got a little bit lost on his own but he got down and did his job again.”