CONSISTENT sprinter Mr Fashion clinched a berth in the upcoming Newmarket Handicap when he outgunned a quality line-up in the Novas Architectural Open Handicap over 1100 metres at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston tonight (Thursday).
Mr Fashion settled just off the pace that was set by Turbo Qui and when apprentice Jacques Luxe called on his charge to sprint turning for home he powered home to score a narrow but impressive win.
The Leon Laskey-trained five-year-old was being aimed at the Newmarket Handicap in Launceston on November 23 and the trainer was unaware the win gave his stable star ballot-free entry into the Newmarket.
This is the first year the race has offered the winner ballot free entry into the state’s richest and most prestigious sprint race.
While Mr Fashion was a deserving winner Obstinado lost none of his admirers with the way he toughed it out when it looked as if he was spent 100 metres out.
The David and Scott Brunton-trained gelding fought back under the urging of apprentice Rhagan Cross and only went down by a half-head.
Race leader Turbo Qui was a close up third and Relentless Pursuit showed he isn’t far off another win finishing an encouraging fourth at what was his first start since April.
Listen to what trainer Leon Laskey had to say about Mr Fashion’s latest win – click here .