Written by Paul Vettise
Co-trainer Ciaron Maher is hoping former employee Hannah Mathiesen has worked her selection magic again with Fake Love (I Am Invincible) and the early signs are that the American-based horsewoman has.
Maher prepares the 2-year-old with David Eustace and the filly capitalised on her inside gate to lead from barrier rise and post an effortless victory in the Listed Magic Millions Debutant S. at Caulfield.
Fake Love was sold by breeder Segenhoe Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale last year to Mathiesen, who remains in the ownership, under her Oakmont banner.
“Hannah came over and worked for us for six months and found Away Game she looks like she’s found another one. She’ll be targeted at the Magic Millions now, she’s got a bit of black-type and hopefully follow the same steps,” Maher said.
“Away Game was very durable and this horse is the same shape, but probably a little bit stronger. You never know, she might be a bit better.”
“Away Game was very durable and this horse is the same shape, but probably a little bit stronger.” – Ciaron Maher
It will be a hard act to follow with Away Game (Snitzel) having won four times last season, including the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the G2 Percy Sykes S. and finished fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper S.
Maher and Eustace also successfully defended their Debutant title having produced Tanker (Pride Of Dubai) to win 12 months ago and Fake Love never looked like getting beaten.
“It’s great to get the win and she did it in pretty emphatic style,” Maher said. “It’s great for David Gillies and she's one of his first horses in the stable and his colours were on.”
It continues a fine season for part-owner Gillies, who bred the G3 Up And Coming S. winner and G1 Golden Rose S. runner-up North Pacific (Brazen Beau).
Fake Love was ridden by Mark Zahra and delivered the performance he was expecting.
“I’ve had a bit to do with her and ridden her in both of her jump-outs. Ciaron’s stable is great at getting 2-year-olds to the races early in the season and she is a fine example,” he said.
“Ciaron’s stable is great at getting 2-year-olds to the races early in the season and she is a fine example.” – Mark Zahra
“She was quickly out and when she kicked she gave nothing else a chance. She has showed speed and she’s beautiful. She sat in the gates and never turned a hair in the gates and was very professional.”
She is a daughter of the dual stakes winner Anatina (Fastnet Rock), who was also runner-up in the G1 The Galaxy H.
Fake Love is a half-sister to the black-type winner Pricked (Thorn Park) and to the dam of the Listed Mode Plate winner Sugar Boom (Spirit Of Boom). Also on the pedigree page is the G2 Villiers S. winner Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt).
Extreme Warrior (Extreme Choice) settled behind the speed on the fence and ran on well when clear with Naples (Street Boss {USA}) and Bird Of Dubai (Pride Of Dubai) both getting home strongly from the tail of the field to run third and fourth respectively.
