Machine Gun Gracie’s meteoric rise from a $45,000 yearling to a Group-winning powerhouse reached its pinnacle when she was officially crowned 3YO Horse of the Year at the WA Racing Awards and Hall of Fame gala function in Perth last Saturday.
The accolade capped off a spectacular maiden campaign-one to remember for trainer Justine Erkelens- that saw Machine Gun Gracie dominate her age group and etch her name alongside WA’s elite fillies.
Ridden exclusively by Shaun O’Donnell, Machine Gun Gracie won four of her six starts, launching her feature race success in the Natasha Stakes before claiming the coveted WA Oaks-WA Derby double.
With her glittering three-year-old season behind her, all eyes are on Machine Gun Gracie’s imminent return during the Ascot Pinnacles Carnival where she is expected to be a major drawcard later this year.
While Erkelens hasn’t locked in a specific race or date for her comeback, she confirmed the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) in December is her major target with the Perth Cup also a consideration.
“My aim is to get to the Northerly,” Erkelens said on Tabradio.
“We are still not 100 per cent sure where we are going before then.
“She’s a 90 rater and it’s a little bit harder to find where to go to race.
“She’s bred to stay but can run out a mile and 1800m.
“She’s pretty handy in that way and is quick as well, so fingers crossed.
“After the Northerly there is also the Perth Cup because there’s nowhere else really.”
Following her stunning three-year-old exploits, Erkelens says Machine Gun Gracie has benefitted enormously from the break and will return a bigger and stronger mare.
“She’s done a massive job, particularly being her first preparation,” Erkelens said.
“She’s filled really well and grown a bit, so couldn’t be happier.
“She had about nine weeks in the paddock.
“She hasn’t got any taller, thank God, but she’s got a bit wider.
“She’s definitely filled out, which is good.”
While Erkelens is not looking beyond Ascot’s Pinnacles Carnival, she acknowledges that with limited options in Perth, a campaign in the eastern states next year has been floated.
“Maybe after this year,” Erkelens said.
“You run out of options.
“We’ll look at that at the end of the year.”
Julio Santarelli