Machine Gun Gracie’s fan base is growing rapidly after she monstered her opposition in Saturday’s Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.
Leading the chorus of support and sharing his admiration for the Justine Erkelens-trained Maschino filly is experienced jockey, Shaun O’Donnell.
With two wins and two seconds from four starts, O’Donnell believes Machine Gun Gracie has only just scratched the surface of her potential.
O’Donnell has been a part of Machine Gun Gracie from the beginning and has high hopes of securing two more big wins before she signs off on her maiden campaign.
Machine Gun Gracie is the raging favourite to win the WA Oaks (2400m) on April 5 before having a crack against the boys in the WA Derby (2400m) a fortnight after.
Thrilled that she’s made such an early impression, O’Donnell says Machine Gun Gracie can go on with it after showing all the signs of being a filly 'right out of the box'.
“It’s pretty awesome and surreal,” O’Donnell said on Tabradio.
“Everything is unfolding nicely with this big girl.
“I like the way she powered to the line and up the hill at Ascot.
“It was a fantastic effort by her, she’s a phenomenon, I love her.
“She’s a pleasure to ride and listens to everything you ask her to do.
“It’s amazing, they don’t come along often like this.”
O’Donnell said Machine Gun Gracie’s racing manners will help her stretch out an extra 200m in the WA Oaks.
“She has a strong, fluent stride,” O’Donnell said.
“The extra 200m can find some out as they progress to this distance.
“But I’m confident she’ll reach that distance, no worries with her racing manner.”
Although all eyes are focused on the WA Oaks, O’Donnell says if all goes well Machine Gun Gracie will test her stamina skills in the WA Derby.
“If everything turns out well in the Oaks you’ll proceed to have a crack at the boys,” O’Donnell said.
“Why not, they are only three once, but I’m very excited to be on her and headed towards the WA Oaks.”
Machine Gun Gracie, a $45,000 yearling, was astutely sought after by Justine Erkelens at the Perth Magic Millions Sale.
The Muchea trainer has a keen eye for fillies after Own The Queen went on a five-race winning spree 12-months back.
After the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and Natasha Stakes, Own The Queen capped an outstanding campaign in the WA Oaks.
O’Donnell paid tribute to Erkelens and her ability to discover and manage a second quality filly in consecutive years.
“It’s a bit hard to compare horses each year,” O’Donnell said.
“But, gees, you would have to pinch yourself a little bit.
“I think she’s (Erkelens) just happy having another one following up from last year.”
Julio Santarelli