Unique double for respected horseman

RESPECTED horseman Blake Fitzpatrick completed a training double today.

While that is hardly newsworthy given Fitzpatrick has registered numerous doubles, this one was unique.

Less than an hour after scoring with Fancy at Club Menangle, the dual-licensed trainer was successful with Assertive Ace in Moruya.

Again, preparing winners at different tracks is nothing unusual, however, the difference with Fitzpatrick’s feat is the latter winner is a thoroughbred.

“It was a good day for the team to get a winner in each code about 45 minutes apart,” Fitzpatrick said.

“I gave both a solid chance and they didn’t let us down.

“Assertive Ace is a cross-coded horse as his owners have a connection with harness racing in some way.”

As for Fitzpatrick’s ‘grassroots’ victory, Fancy produced a run befitting of her name with Jim Douglass in the sulky.

Eased away from barrier three, Fancy was settled midfield as Aorangi led from gate seven.

Three-wide around the final bend, the daughter of Quaker Jet sprinted to a four-metre win from Young Son, with Lord Lohki two-and-a-half metres away third.

Covering the mile in 1:58.1, the three-year-old took her record to two wins and five placings from 18 starts.

“She’s been very consistent this time in and only needed the right run to win, which is what she got,” Fitzpatrick said.

“She is Vicbred so still has her bonus and the Sires’ later in the year to aim for, so if she’s going well enough she’ll have a campaign down there in a couple of months.”