Muchea trainer Justine Erkelens is filled with optimism as her talented filly, Machine Gun Gracie, gears up for a stamina challenge at Ascot this Saturday. The Maschino progeny has displayed remarkable potential in her three career starts and is now aiming to secure Erkelens her third Natasha Stakes (2200m) victory in seven years.
Machine Gun Gracie announced her arrival with a dominant maiden win at Pinjarra, triumphing by nearly five lengths. She followed this up with a gutsy performance in her most recent outing, finishing a close second to Glasgow Lass in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m). Despite being overtaken in the straight, she rallied strongly, only to be narrowly defeated by a long neck.
Erkelens, who has previously tasted success in the Natasha Stakes with Own The Queen (2024) and Friar Fox (2018), is confident that Machine Gun Gracie can rise to the occasion. Punters share her confidence, installing the filly as the clear Tabtouch favourite at $2.70, ahead of Twilight Tale ($4.60) and Glasgow Lass ($4.80).
Looking ahead to the Group 3 WA Oaks (2400m) on April 5, Erkelens believes her charge will handle the increased distance. “She’s going really well and worked so good on Tuesday,” Erkelens said. “I couldn’t be any more happier with her. It is a step up, but that’s where we’re at and she’s bred to stay. We just knew she was going to stay from the day I’d seen her as a yearling. I think she’ll run out the trip and we’ll see how she goes.”
Erkelens and jockey Shaun O’Donnell have previously combined for Natasha Stakes glory with Friar Fox. O’Donnell, who also won the race aboard Impressive Jeuney (2010) and Balmont Girl (2014), will be aiming to add another victory to his impressive record. Machine Gun Gracie, a $45,000 Perth Magic Millions yearling, will start from barrier four.
Both trainer and jockey head into Saturday’s meeting in winning form. Erkelens celebrated a commanding victory with Black For Cash at Ascot on Wednesday, while O’Donnell piloted Tokyo Fire to a thrilling last-stride win earlier in the same meeting.
