Fuld's Bet sets sights on Karrakatta
Powerful filly Fuld's Bet consolidated favouritism for the $500,000 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) on March 29 when she impressively won today's $100,000 Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) Ascot.
Fuld's Bet, starting $1.75 favourite in the Gimcrack, ran on from second at the home turn for jockey Peter Knuckey and beat the fast-finishing Cadenza ($3.80) by a long neck.
Kamballie ($26) ran a close third after racing prominently.
Trainer Simon Miller predicted Fuld's Bet, a winner at each of her two starts, would improve more before the Karrakatta Plate at Ascot.
"I've been giving her only a light preparation," Miller said. "She'll be more solidly conditioned for the Karrakatta in two weeks.
"Fuld's Bet is a big and strong filly with an outstanding future. She could later be set for longer races, but at this stage she has the speed to win a Karrakatta."
Miller, who won the 2011 Karrakatta Plate with Night War, said Fuld's Bet was bought for $52,000 at a Sydney weanling sale.
The Ted Martinovich-trained Jezpark, ridden by Jarrad Noske, also looked a top Karrakatta Plate prospect when stylishly winning today's $100,000 Perth Stakes (1100m).
Jezpark, who started $4.40 in the Perth Stakes, settled in second position and fought on to score by a half-length from pacemaker Chengdu ($12).
Hobart Jones ($9) stormed home from ninth position to finish third, within a length of the winner.
The $3 favourite Roebuck was always back in the field and ran eighth, while Star Glitter ($5) faded to sixth.
Jezpark has won twice and run three places in a five-start career.
"He begins fast and races near the lead," Martinovich said. "This will be a big advantage in the Karrakatta."
