Emerging mare Isthisjustfantasy continues to build an imposing record after outsprinting her rivals in the sulky.APP Metropolitan Pace (third heat) at Melton on Saturday night.
An easing $2.10 favorite, Isthisjustfantasy enjoyed the run of the race on the back of the leader Roryville, whose driver David Moran attempted to slow the tempo and turn the race into a 400m dash home.
Moran’s tactics were on target until Isthisjustfantasy displayed a slick turn of foot over the concluding stages to grab the leader in the shadows of the post.
Driver Glen Craven noted the pros and cons of how the race was run.
“She did a good job as the race was run to suit, but it wasn’t with the leader going so slow… she’s a super quick mare and sprinted up the lane really well,” Craven said.
“She has been coming out wide around horses and making good ground in quick time so sitting on the fence makes it a lot easier.”
Craven is hoping to make the most of the state’s better mares’ absence in the coming weeks.
“Hopefully Ladies In Red and Rakero Rebel go to Queensland and she can run around in the mares’ races back here in her class and see what she can pick off,” he said.
Craven believes the lightly-raced mare will prove competitive in next week’s $25,000 final.
“There are high class horses in it but with the way she races as a sit-sprinter, if there is a genuine tempo she should be in the finish,” he said.
