Twelve months ago we were excited to debut FASTBROOK, a two-year-old filly at the time, in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic in Adelaide. She ran a commendable and somewhat unlucky race, returning home to Flemington better for the experience.
But a slight injury during her second campaign in mid 2016 caused Fastbrook to endure a lengthy spell. As is so often the case with young horses, this has proven to be a blessing in disguise. Although it didn’t feel like it at the time!
By the well-credentialed stallion HINCHINBROOK out of a half-sister to the Group winner and great producer MUSIDORA (dam of TULIP and SACRED EYE), Fastbrook always showed Nigel that she had talent, but would improve as a three and four-year-old. After two good jump outs at Flemington, she returned to the races at Cranbourne in early March and flashed home from the rear of the field. Her closing 200m and the feedback from Brian Higgins who rode her that night at Cranbourne, supported Nigel’s high opinion of this filly.
So, tackle another Maiden? Wait for a 3yo fillies Maiden somewhere? Stay on the provincial circuit and search for an easy race for her to score her first win?
Nigel wasn’t interested in that. Straight to Ladbrokes Park (Sandown) for a BM64 event for three-year-old fillies, with some level of confidence that she would perform well. And that she did.
Brian Higgins was disappointed to be suspended this week, and missed the ride unfortunately. But Luke Currie reunited with Nigel and rode Fastbrook to perfection from the inside barrier.
Making the right moves off the fence, and encouraging Fastbrook and maintaining momentum when crowded for room at the top of the straight, Luke always had her balanced and full of running in the closing stages of the 1300m race. She won with some authority.
“I’ve always though she was a nice filly and didn’t hesitate in putting her in this race today. I wanted to find out if she was ready for this grade as we want to head to Adelaide in April for the Laelia Stakes.” – Nigel Blackiston
Fastbrook is raced by an ownership group put together by great clients of the stable and Sheamus Mills. We are also pleased that Catriona and Royston Murphy of Sledmere Stud have retained some ownership in the filly they bred and sold. So with the breeders, vendors, bloodstock agent and stable clients all involved, it gives us extra pleasure to see Fastbrook win so well.
Fastbrook is by the Yarraman Park stallion HINCHINBROOK, a top class juvenile racehorse and three-quarter-brother to SNITZEL. He was crowned Leading Champion 1st Season Sire of 2014/2015 and has forged a successful stallion career having sired Group 1 winner PRESS STATEMENT, and 17 other stakes-winners. A remarkable 12% of his runners are stakes-performers.
She is out of the unraced mare FLYING FOOTSTEPS, a half-sister to Group 3 winners MUSIDORA who has also produced SACRED EYE and TULIP.