Pelicano makes amends in Werribee Cup

Sunday 15 December 2013, 6:25pm

A year after he was rolled as the odds-on favourite in the Werribee Cup, Pelicano has returned and made amends in the Listed race.

With Luke Nolen aboard on Sunday, Pelicano ($7.50) lugged 60kg over the 2600 metres to defeat Hurdy Gurdy Man ($9) by a length with $3.80 favourite Unchain My Heart another head third.

Pelicano's trainer Tony McEvoy said the horse was mentally tougher than he 12 months ago and he would look at options including the Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year's Day and the Tasmanian summer Cups.

"I was really happy during the run. Luke was giving him a beautiful ride and everything went absolutely to plan," McEvoy said.

"It was nice to see him run the trip right out.

"I think last year he was still a bit immature.

"He is in great form and we'll consider the Bagot. There is also the option of the Hobart and Launceston Cups but I'm a bit nervous about travelling him because he gets a bit homesick.

"If we can go there and back on the same day, we'll consider it."

Nolen said the toughness of Pelicano's win should not be underestimated.

"With the smaller field and good barrier today we were afforded a lovely run but he still had to do a good job with the 60kg on his back and held them to the line," he said.

"He's not overly big and for him to tough it out with that sort of weight on his back, full credit has to go to Tony and his team."

The meeting was the first for five months at the track which is used as a quarantine centre for international runners at the spring carnival.

– AAP

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