Punters got it dead right yesterday at Ascot Park when they made Sicario the favourite of the three Mark Purdon – Natalie Rasmussen trained horses in the Motor Central Two Year Old Pace.

The Somebeachsomewhere colt came up the passing lane and was too strong for his stablemate filly Make Mine Diamonds – winning by three quarters of a length.

It was an impressive debut from Sicario who had only had one trial prior to today's run. 

"He impressed us in that. He ran second to Cole Porter (winner of the Sapling Stakes). He's impressed us with his trackwork. He had to get a start under his belt to go from here to the Australian Pacing Gold which will be run in about ten days. Its a big series and it's nice to have one that's up to it. He's got the natural ability to be competitive if he steps up," said Purdon. 

(6) and Natalie Rasmussen beating stable mate Make Mine Diamonds and Mark Purdon

There's a nice pedigree to Sicario. His dam Bettorthanyou, who was out of Fake Left mare Intrude, didn't win a race in ten starts. But she is a half-sister to some smart types including Bella Joy the winner of seventeen races and $109,849, Make Mine Cullen who won forty races and banked $874,178 and Billy Badlands which won twenty two races. 

Intrude herself won six races in a limited career but was good enough to make the 1999 Bathurst Gold Tiara Final as a two year old. 

Purdon was also impressed with the run of second place getter Make Mine Diamonds who was also having her first race day start after only one trial. 

"To leave the gate like she has and race in front and just get beaten by a boy on the day, I thought she did very well."

Make Mine Diamonds is also by Somebeachsomewhere and she is also Australian bred. Her dam Art Shadow won twelve races and her half brother Christian Shadow won seventeen. 

Sicario is owned by Bill Feiss who was represented by his wife Jean on-course today.  

Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing