Black stays in Fashion at headquarters

Talented staying prospect Fashion Black showed her potential with a courageous victory at Flemington on Saturday in the Sunshine Private Medical Centre Handicap over 1600m.

Ridden by Dwayne Dunn the four-year-old Bertolini mare proved too strong after being headed at the top of the straight by both Take The Cash and Charlie’s Queen before digging deep and drawing on her stamina reserves to out stay her rivals to claim the win.

“They asked her the question at the top of the straight, however she kept working through her gears and in the end was too strong and classy,” Dunn said.

“She is definitely a Saturday class mare, who could go on to better races.”

Trainer Danny O’Brien echoed Dunn’s comments said his mare would only improve from her quality second-up performance.

“She ran well first-up without much luck, but she proved her worth today beating a nice field,” O’Brien said.

“She has scope to get out to 2000m and beyond, and I think she will measure up to black-type races in the future if she continues her progression.”

The win was Fashion Black’s third from eight starts and takes her career earnings past $70,000.

O’Brien said he would keep Fashion Black to mare’s grade and the 1700m restricted handicap 0-82 on New Year’s Day at Flemington was her likely next target.

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