Fakenit shows her class in stylish win in Mares classic

Last season’s West Australian Oaks winner Fakenit (American Ideal) looks to have returned better than ever if her impressive all the way win in the $50,000 Group 3 Kerry Clarke Fillies and Mares classic at Gloucester Park on Friday evening is any guide.

Fakenit had the advantage of the pole draw with the scratching of Its Maa Time and as a result was confidently supported into favouritism.

Gary Hall Junior who had been driving her in recent races for his father Gary Senior elected to drive his new acquisition Eastbro Chrissy and Stuart McDonald who hadn’t driven the mare a great deal was given the steer on Fakenit.

And McDonald made sure was able to hold the lead with speed from Eastbro Chrissy early on and then Aardiebytheseaside who then had to race outside the leader.

FAKENIT 19 JUN REPLAY

Heavenly Gipsy who was on the second row was able to follow Fakenit through the pack to end up behind the leader. And it was obvious a fair way from home that McDonald was aware of the danger that Heavenly Gipsy posed if she was able to get a clear run.

Eastbro Chrissy pulled out three wide on the final bend but McDonald sat back on Fakenit ensuring that Heavenly Gipsy would not be able to get a clear run to the leader.

At the finish McDonald still had a hold on Fakenit as she held off Eastbro Chrissy by just under three metres with Wave Rebellion in third place just ahead of the desperately unlucky Heavenly Gipsy.

McDonald reflected after the event.

I haven’t driven her much. I hadn’t driven her until last week probably until her first ever start.

She’s come a long way and yes she still has those couple of hitches but you just have to drive her through it and she seems to keep going. I was a bit worried about the speed and the fact that I don’t know her and I can’t time the gate as well as Junior.

I was bit concerned but class got her over the edge and she won pretty well.

Eastbro Chrissy was one one. I didn’t want to get out and let anyone out  or get too far away from Heaven (Heavenly Gipsy) and swamp me late. On the line I actually had to grab hold of her with 100 (metres) to go and for that horse get out it was probably going to beat me. So it got a bit tactical and she held on.

Last season Fakenit was the star three year old filly. In addition to winning the Oaks she was a gallant runner up to Runkle Crunch in the WA Derby as well winning the Group 3 Daintys Daughter Classic.

She’s now established herself as one of the State’s leading race mares and she should acquit herself well when she reaches open company against the older pacers.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink