News & Media

15 August 2011 Star Villain and Biter Emu lead Fitzgerald charge at Belmont

Ascot trainer Brendon Fitzgerald admits he was pleasantly surprised by the debut performance of Star Villain at Pinjarra last month.
The Star Cross gelding was racing first-up in a 1300m maiden and almost had the race in his keeping before being swamped by the fast-finishing Gomambo.
Jockey Paul King had Star Villain ideally placed fourth on the fence before dashing to the lead inside the final 150m and if not for minor interference the final margin could have been closer than half-a-length.
Fitzgerald expects further improvement when the four-year-old lines up in today’s perthracing.com.au Maiden (1400m).
“He is capable of producing another top effort,” Fitzgerald said.
“He certainly has improved since his last run
“I thought the 1300m was going to be a little short so I was taken by the effort.
“I’m expecting him to figure in the finish.”
Stable mate Bitter Emu resumes in the Ozbet.com.au Maiden (1000m) after an absence of five months.
The Ihtiram mare failed on debut in early February when near last before displaying signs of improvement at her next two starts at Pinjarra and Bunbury.
She finished full of running when fourth to The Puzzler over 1000m before again doing her best work late after a third placing behind Yerakina over 1200m.
“She really displayed vast improvement after her first-up run,” Fitzgerald said.
“She is going super well at the moment.
“From barrier three she is ideally drawn and I would be disappointed if she wasn’t in the placings.
“I believe she is a genuine each-way chance.”
Meanwhile Numerous Secrets, who scored a tough win in the final race of the programme at Belmont a fortnight back, will be spelled.
Numerous Secrets, aided by jockey Paul Harvey, led from the outset before staving off challengers from the backmarkers.
It ends a productive campaign for the five-year-old after successive wins and two minor placings from four starts.
“He has had four tough runs,” Fitzgerald said.
“He will have about a month off before returning for either the end of Belmont or the beginning of Ascot.”