Maschino filly Machine Gun Gracie went a long way towards being named WA Racehorse of the Year for 2024-25 with a second classic victory in the G2 WATC Derby (2400m) on Saturday.
Part-owned and prepared by Muchea trainer Justine Erkelens (Muchea), she won the G3 WATC Oaks (2400m) at Ascot earlier this month and joins this elite group of fillies who have doubled up since the turn of the century;
Tuscan Queen (Fastnet Rock) 2020, Delicacy (Al Maher) 2015, Dreamaway (More Than Ready) 2011, Grand Journey (Good Journey) 2008, Honor Lap (Honor Grades) 2002 and Old Money (Old Spice) 2000.
Machine Gun Gracie started a long odds-on favourite and won accordingly against the colts and geldings. She raced on the speed tracking Noahquintilly (Playing God) and was never in danger to run out a convincing winner from Funchal (Playing God) and Sail Session (Sessions).
“She’s still immature so look out when she comes back from a spell next season,” Erkelens said. “She takes everything in her stride and is such a relaxed filly. She’s bred to stay but sticks with our sprinters during fast work at home.
“It’s incredible and I’m a bit emotional. She’s raced by a syndicate that includes many first-timers and I just hope they realise how lucky they are to own one so good.”
Machine Gun Gracie (3f Maschino – Gracie May by Written Tycoon) was sold by Scenic Lodge (as agent) for $45,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions. She’s managed by Greg Browne and has now banked over $550,000 topped by Westspeed Bonuses of $57,000.
Winning jockey Shaun Donnell was saluting in the WA Derby for the second time since his initial blue-riband aboard Beaujolais Boy (Chanteclair) in 1993 for the late Rod Bynder. “She’s still learning but had them all off the bridle coming to the corner. I said ‘Let’s Go’ and she simply outstayed them.
“Dreams are made of this and it’s fantastic. She’s a marvel and it felt like we could go another lap.”
In what’s rapidly developing into a career-defining season for Maschino, the Alwyn Park stallion will segue from a classic double to a big-ticket appearance by his star sprinter Jokers Grin in the $5 million Kia Quokka (1200m) at Ascot next Saturday, April 26.
Jokers Grin was snapped up by Ladbrokes for a spot in the rich slot race after his victory in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) last month. He will lead the local defence as the $7 third favourite behind interstate raiders Overpass ($2.50) and Headwall ($5).