Looking to continue that winning feeling

FRESH from registering a personal milestone at Club Menangle during the weekend, Zara Fitzpatrick hopes to continue the winning feeling when she returns to the world class venue today.

Among New South Wales’ most talented young drivers, Fitzpatrick captured a $100,000 Australian Pacing Gold Final with Swinging Queen.

Fitzpatrick’s previous top ranking success was last season’s Foundation Final with Cee Cee In Paris.
Making Fitzpatrick’s triumph all-the-more special is her father Blake trains the two-year-old, while her mother Lisa is a part-owner.

Lisa also trained and bred Cee Cee In Paris.

“That is my biggest win and I couldn’t be more thrilled,” Fitzpatrick said. “Winning a $100,000 race is the kind of thing you dream of as a driver, and the fact Dad trains it and Mum is one of the owners just makes it that much more special.

“I also beat Dad into second, which is great too!”

As for her pending engagements, Fitzpatrick will kick start the card by partnering Princess Du Fer in the opening event.

Also trained by Blake, Princess Du Fer has drawn to search for the lead from barrier three over 1609 metres.

Like Fitzpatrick, who landed a double last Saturday night, Princess Du Fer is a last start winner.

“She did really well against similar company a couple of weeks ago, so I expect her to be hard to beat,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’ve got a couple other drives during the afternoon, but would say she’s my best chance.”

Fitzpatrick will then take the reins behind Alpha Stride in the following event, with the son of Captaintreacherous another trained by Blake.

Boasting two wins from his last four starts, Alpha Stride is first-up since April 28.

“He’s had a good freshen-up and has been working well,” Fitzpatrick said. “He had a solid trial last week and is in good shape first-up.”

Fitzpatrick will then partner the Adrian McElhinney-trained Arnies Army in the final event.

Drawn favourably in barrier two, Arnies Army is searching for his first win at his third outing for McElhinney.

The son of American Ideal hasn’t scored since April 12 when victorious in the Narrabri Cup.