The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained Winning Partner defended his crown in Wednesday’s Listed Balaklava Cup (1600m).
The handsome chestnut son of Dawn Approach (IRE) dawdled out of the barrier before Barend Vorster hunted him up to travel to midfield.
It was a one-horse race in the straight as Winning Partner stormed home to defeat Second slip (Alamosa) by one and three-quarter lengths with Classy Joe (Danerich) a further two lengths back in third.
The 6yo gelding becomes the first horse to win back-to-back editions of the race and is a third consecutive winner for Tony McEvoy and his son Calvin.
After winning the race last year, Winning Partner added the Listed Murray Bridge Cup a month later.
He has been campaigned exclusively in Victoria since November last year without winning.
“What an absolute thrill for the team and everyone involved in this horse,” stable representative Sarah Rutten said.
“He came here on Monday from Ballarat in great order.
“He has been really unlucky in his runs in Melbourne and to see him do it back-to-back today is just amazing for everyone involved.”
Purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing Pty Ltd for $110,000 out of the Glenelg Park draft at the 2017 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Winning Partner advances his record to seven wins and six seconds from 29 starts with earnings of $432,500.
He is the best of three winners from as many foals out the Johannesburg (USA) mar Lady Frere who won little more than a Cowra maiden in 20 starts.
A half-sister to the Listed SAJC HC Nitschke Stakes and Listed Adelaide Guineas winner General Peekay (General Nediym), Lady Frere died in 2016.
Winning Partner comes out of the first of five southern hemisphere crops by Darley Stud’s 5-time Group1 winner Dawn Approach (IRE) and is one of 15 stakes-winner worldwide.
