All Too Easy For Another Strickland To Marasco

Sunday, 04 April 2010 02:16

Observing Fred Kersley watching his brilliant galloper Marasco contest the Group Three Strickland Stakes (1800m) in the PR.Com Lounge on Saturday, one sensed there was a degree of relief as the “Mighty M” sprinted brilliantly from the 600 metres to defeat Tarzi for the ninth time in 12 occasions, to easily repeat his Strickland Stakes win of last year.

As Marasco ranged up on the outside of Tarzi and sprinted clear with fifty metres to go, Karen Kersley gently kissed her father on the forehead and whispered “well done”.

Kersley continued to stare at the screen, transfixed on a horse he often describes as the fastest horse he has trained.

Marasco displayed that speed to his adoring fans, scooting home his final 600 metres in 32.93, which was .03 seconds faster then the time he recorded when winning the Strickland Stakes last year.

“There are not many better then him in the country at weight for age.  They played into his hands again today because he has very fast point to point speed.”  Kersley told Wes Cameron post race.

While the other runners led by Doyoudare and Tarzi may have understated the pace in the race, it would not have mattered how the race was run-Marasco is simply superior to his rivals.

His win today was his 16^th from 37 starts, ninth at Group level and propelled his stake money earnings past $1.7 million for his owners Judith Kersley and his breeders Neville and Sue Duncan.

Tarzi raced outside of Douyoudare and again proved a class above his rivals apart from Marasco to hold second from Doyoudare, who had the unlikely role as pacemaker to contend with.

“I don’t think he will race again for the winter," Kersley said.

"I will talk to Neville but at this stage he can go for a break."