Machine Gun Gracie is the glamour filly of WA racing and will enhance that reputation even further if she continues on her winning ways as expected at Ascot on Saturday.
Machine Gun Gracie’s standing as Perth’s leading three-year-old filly has been built around her brilliant start to racing, winning three out of five starts including two features.
The daughter of Maschino romped home to win the Natasha Stakes (2200m) by 3 ½ lengths, cruising out in front from barrier to post in a dominant display.
She followed up with another dynamic victory in the WA Oaks (2400m), regaining the lead and skipping clear after being headed by Funchal mid race.
With two powerhouse wins behind her, Machine Gin Gracie shapes as an impregnable force in this weekend’s WA Derby (2400m), she’s the market leader.
Trained by Justine Erkelens, the $45,000 Perth Magic Millions yearling is the $1.65 Tabtouch favourite, ahead of Sail Session ($4) and Funchal ($6).
Jockey Shaun O’Donnell, who has been aboard Machine Gun Gracie from the get-go, is confident his filly can complete a feature race treble.
“I’m very much looking forward to it, she’s been an amazing filly to connections, Justine and myself,” O’Donnell said on Tabradio.
“Up to this point of her racing career it’s been fantastic.
“I worked her yesterday morning (Tuesday) on the grass with Jazz Session, that’s her regular partner and everything’s going forward nicely.
“She worked the same as all prep, no different, we didn’t change anything, we’re very happy going forward.”
While Machine Gun Gracie was beating up on the girls, Sail Session has been doing his thing as impressively against the boys.
The Sessions gelding has won three races in a row, including the J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m)-Melvista Stakes-(2200m) double.
His next challenge is an endurance test at 2400m, facing the staying distance for the first time in his eight-start career.
O’Donnell believes Machine Gun Gracie has the edge in the classic race, her stamina and stride strong attacking weapons.
“Her stamina and length of stride is enormous,” O’Donnell said.
“She has a tenacity to race and not only win.
“I think she just enjoys it and has fun.
“She’s like a little puppy dog going to school, just loves it.
“She’s a bit different, but it’s been a pleasure up to now.”
O’Donnell has healthy respect for Sail Session but also cautions punters not to leave out Maxwhooshtapin in Derby discussion.
The Misty Bazeley-trained gelding is rated a $14 chance and last start he was making up ground on Sail Session when second in the Melvista.
“He’s (Sail Session) done nothing wrong and won all the lead ups,” O’Donnell said.
“I did like the run of Misty Bazeley’s horse, and he will really like an extra 200m.”
Julio Santarelli