Machine Gun Gracie’s fan base is growing rapidly after a dominant victory in Saturday’s Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.
Jockey Shaun O’Donnell, who has been with the filly from the start, is full of praise for the Justine Erkelens-trained Maschino filly. With two wins and two seconds from four starts, O’Donnell believes she is just getting started.
Machine Gun Gracie is the hot favourite for the WA Oaks (2400m) on April 5 and could also target the WA Derby (2400m) two weeks later.
“Everything is unfolding nicely with this big girl,” O’Donnell said. “She’s a phenomenon, I love her. She’s a pleasure to ride and listens to everything you ask her to do.”
O’Donnell is confident Machine Gun Gracie’s strong racing manners will help her handle the extra distance in the Oaks and beyond.
A $45,000 yearling, Machine Gun Gracie was selected by Erkelens, who also found success with Own The Queen, another top filly from last year’s campaign.