PERTH With two powerhouse wins behind her, Machine Gun Gracie shapes as an impregnable force in the A$400,000 (S$334,000) Group 2 WATC Derby (2,400m) at Ascot on April 19.
Trained by Justine Erkelens in Muchea, a small town close to Perth, the A$45,000 Perth Magic Millions yearling is the pre-race 13-20 favourite, ahead of Sail Session (3-1) and Funchal (5-1).
Machine Gun Gracie's standing as Perth's leading three-year-old filly has been built around her brilliant start to racing, winning three out of five starts including two features.
The daughter of Maschino romped home to win the Listed Natasha Stakes (2,200m) by 3½ lengths, cruising out in front from barrier to post in a dominant display.
She followed up with another dynamic victory in the Group 3 WA Oaks (2,400m), regaining the lead and skipping clear after being headed by Funchal mid-race.
Jockey Shaun O'Donnell, who has been aboard Machine Gun Gracie from the get-go, is confident his filly can complete a feature race treble.
"I'm very much looking forward to it, she's been an amazing filly to connections, Justine and myself," O'Donnell said on Tabradio.
"Up to this point of her racing career it's been fantastic.
"I worked her on Tuesday morning on the grass with Jaz Session. That's her regular partner and everything's going forward nicely.
"She worked the same as all prep, no different. We didn't change anything, we're very happy going forward."
While Machine Gun Gracie was beating up on the girls, the Daniel Morton-trained Sail Session has been doing his thing as impressively against the boys.
The son of Sessions has won four races, the latest three consecutively, including the J.C. Roberts Stakes (1,800m) and Melvista Stakes (2,200m), both Listed races.
His next challenge is an endurance test at 2,400m, facing the staying distance for the first time in his eight-start career.
At least, Machine Gun Gracie is proven over the staying trip, with O'Donnell believing she has the edge in the classic race, her stamina and stride strong attacking weapons.
"Her stamina and length of stride is enormous," said the veteran Perth jockey.
"She has a tenacity to race and not only win. I think she just enjoys it and has fun.
"She's like a little puppy dog going to school, just loves it.
"She's a bit different, but it's been a pleasure up to now."
O'Donnell has healthy respect for Sail Session but also cautions punters not to leave out Maxwhooshtapin in Derby discussions.
The Misty Bazeley-trained gelding is rated a 13-1 chance and at his last start, he was making up ground on Sail Session when second in the Melvista.
"He's (Sail Session) done nothing wrong and won all the lead-ups," said O'Donnell.
"I did like the run of Misty Bazeley's horse, and he will really like an extra 200m."
Bazeley is, however, under no illusions, the task at hand looks very daunting.
"I'm excited to have a horse in a Group race that actually is going to be competitive," said the Serpentine trainer.
"I know he can stay, I know he's fit, I know he's ready.
"Can he beat Machine Gun Gracie? Probably not, but it would be real nice to run second to her, I can tell you that." RACING WA
