Double Header at Home

Te Akau NZ trainer Jason Bridgman and the team didn't have too far for our three starters to travel today - just down the road with Racing Matamata in action.

Three starters - and two winners and a close runner up - what a brilliant day - well done to all our happy owners!

The first of our winners was FAST FICTION .... read more ....

A nose in front at the right moment brought Fast Fiction (5 g Fastnet Rock - Paperback, by King's Best) a deserved victory in the Landsdowne Park Rating 65 1200 metres on Aug. 27 at Matamata.

Owned by the Te Akau Fast Fiction Syndicate, the strapping gelding had been beaten by less than one length in three starts this time in and he presented in terrific order following his third placed run last Wednesday at Taupo.

While Fast Fiction was usually given three weeks to a month between runs, trainer Jason Bridgman felt the horse was ready to back up after riding him himself in track work on Tuesday morning.

“He has been a horse that's had his issues: soundness problems with his knees through the years and finally he is in a good vein of health at the moment, and he is racing really well,” Bridgman said.

“He needs some give in the tracks, loved the slow ground today and will keep racing until the tracks firm up. We'll just see how far we can get with him."

With three-kilo claiming apprentice jockey Lee Magorrian reducing the weight to 56kgs, Fast Fiction showed his usual dash to lead before handing up at the 700 metres. He popped off to challenge at the 300m, showed a good kick when asked for his best and staved off his rival in a driving finish.

Fast Fiction covered the 1200 metres in 1:12.9, last 600m in 37.5, paying $3.80 & $1.30 in a field eight.

“You have to take advantage of these apprentices coming through and he (Magorrian) rode the horse a treat,” Bridgman said.

“I'd like to thank Mr. Bridgman for putting me on,” Magorrian said. “Jason had commented that the horse came through well from the run at Taupo, he backed up and he was right. "

One of the first sons of Fastnet Rock (Danehill) purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis, Fast Fiction was described by stable representative Tommy Hazlett as “a stunning sort of animal”. Ellis purchased him as yearling for $62,000 at the 2011 Magic Million Weanling & Yearling Sale, from the draft of Widden Stud.

A winner on debut, Fast Fiction has had two wins, two seconds and a third, from eight starts.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz