FANCY LIKE, OH

Breaking through at her fourth start, Fancy Like (4 m Redwood – Third Rate Romance, by Scaredee Cat) won the $25,000 Maiden 1400 metres on 15 October at Rotorua.

Having recorded a notable third after racing handily in the Maiden 1200 metres on 27 August and being without much room from a handy spot in the Pearl Series Maiden 1200 metres on 20 September, both at Matamata, Fancy Like was handily drawn in barrier five and took full advantage.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard had anticipated that the tight nature of the course could be utilized by the pace of Fancy Like to produce another bold run, and it transpired to a nicety.

Able to cross and lead, Fancy Like did a good job to steady for jockey Vinnie Colgan once in front, dictated terms on an even keel, and quickened when asked at the 200m after travelling sweetly turning for home.

It was a good piece of horsemanship by Colgan, one of the most experienced in commission, matched by the abilities of both the training staff and horse, which turned out looking impeccable.

In the race sponsored by Green Light Insurance Brokers, Fancy Like ran 1400 metres in 1:24.2 on Good4 footing and paid $8.90 & $2.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

Bred at Bradbury Park by the Dando family and owned by them in conjunction with B & Mrs M O M Allison, A D Harris, A S Kayes, B E & V S Nowell & J C Roberts, Fancy Like is a half-sister to Brilliant Way (Reliable Man), who won three times in Hong Kong.

“She should have probably won last time, but we decided to ride her more conservatively and at this stage she likes to run along a wee bit,” Gerard said.

“We expect she’ll be better once she gets up over a mile and 2000 metres, which the pedigree suggests she’d appreciate.

“She did a bit of work to reach the front, but hard fit and she’s been pretty hard-headed in her gallops and trials.

“She’s a tough mare, can win more races, and I think she’s capable of performing in black type races.

“She’s still learning at the moment and may go out for a spell now, as not sure she’ll cop too many summer tracks.

“She’s beaten a Frankel and a Pierro, so that’s a good effort to beat horses by those Champions.

“It’s good to have another winner for the Dando’s and their owners. We’ve also got Hot Chilli Mama (U S Navy Flag) for them in the stable, who is not a bad filly, and previously had the three time winner Wonder Woman (Showcasing) and they bred and had a share in our Group Two winner Tokorangi (Redwood).”

By Westbury Stud stallion Redwood (High Chaparral), who continues to do a very good job at stud, with over 500 winners including NZ Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart, the dam side is a significantly strong stakes producing family, with third dam Heartache (Casual Lies) leaving impressive Group Two winner and top producer Sworn to Secrecy (Keeper), along with other stakes winners.

Fancy Like was strapped by Ballymore Racing Manager Michael Thompson.