Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Up-and-coming three-year-old Fess Up continued his march towards the $200,000 WA Derby on November 3 with a spirited performance to score a notable victory in fast time in the 1730m Summit Bloodstock Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“I was very happy with the run,” said co-trainer Greg Bond after Deni Roberts had driven Fess Up, the $1.40 favourite, to win by a half-length from the $3.40 second fancy Im the Black Flash.
“That was a lead-up for next Friday’s Western Gateway (a Group 3 2536m feature). We will see Fess Up and Lusaka from our camp in that race. Tonight, Fess Up got a bit of pressure early. But that was pivotal to knock him into shape for next Friday night. He fought it out strongly against a good horse in Im The Black Flash.”
Fess Up held at bay fast starters Longreach Bay, Ultimate Rocker and Vintage Blu, and dashed over the opening quarter of the final mile in 27.4sec. before running the following 400m sections in 30.2sec., 29sec. and 28.5sec. to record a smart rate of 1.54.4.
Fess Up is by Bettors Delight and is the fourth foal out of the Art Major mare Diamond Like, who was retired after one third placing from four starts. The New Zealand-bred Fess Up’s 22 runs (all in WA) have produced nine wins, seven placings and $80,426. He has shone as a three-year-old, with his ten starts this season resulting in seven wins and one second placing.
Im The Black Flash, trained by Gary Hall Snr, lost few admirers for the Derby with a powerful performance. He began from the back line and was restrained to the rear before Gary Hall Jnr eased him off the pegs (in seventh position) at the bell to finish strongly.