Gallant showing from O’Reilly’s son

A tenacious display from Even Chance at Te Rapa on Saturday afternoon handed Waikato Stud an early winning strike on Legends Day.

The well-related son of the late O’Reilly headed straight to the front and revelled in his role at the head of affairs. He was headed in the straight before showing his fighting qualities to come back and claim a fourth career victory.

“He loves to lead and likes his own terms in front and he got that today. He does go a lot better left-handed so we’re obviously very happy with him,” said Moira Murdoch, who prepares the stayer with daughter Kieran.

Even Chance was ridden for the first time on race day by Ashvin Goindasamy and he played his role to perfection in the 2100 metre contest.

“He was really good and got an easy lead. He relaxed and kept fighting, he was very tough,” he said. Even Chance was a $200,000 purchase out of breeder Waikato Stud’s Karaka draft in 2017 and is a half-brother to the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Aegon.

Their dam is the Zabeel mare Toss Up, whose five foals to race have all been successful and was served last season by Tivaci. She is most notably from the family of the Matamata nursery’s three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil.