Machine Gun Gracie proved she wasn’t out of place at Rosehill’s gala Golden Slipper meeting on Saturday with a decisive Group 3 victory in the Epona Stakes (1900m). The Perth mare had won the 2025 G2 WA Derby – G3 WA Oaks double for local trainer Justine Erkelens prior to a stable switch to Victoria where she’s prepared by Lindsay Park brothers Ben, Will & JD Hayes.
Machine Gun Gracie (4m Maschino – Gracie May by Written Tycoon) travelled well within herself into the straight and then raced away by two lengths from Polymnia (Dundeel) at her first start going clockwise in Sydney.
“She’s got plenty of X-Factor,” JD Hayes said. “She’s every bit of 17 hands and is a lovely big horse when you see her. We will sit down and make plans and there’s several options for a mare of her calibre.”
She was bred by Carabooda-based Joe Kelly who received the TBWA Platinum Breeder of the Year Award thanks to her exploits in 2025. He sold her for $45,000 through Scenic Lodge (as agent) at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions and her connections have celebrated 5 wins in 10 starts for earnings over $700,000.
Greg Browne part-owns and manages the 4yo mare for a large syndicate that includes Erkelens. “Her owners saw our facilities at Euroa and thought it would really suit Gracie,” Hayes added. “We’re just very lucky in that regard and she’s gone from strength to strength with plenty of upside. “We’ve always had a high opinion of her and it’s good to see her convert here today.”
Machine Gun Gracie was the first-leg of a feature double for Alwyn Park sire Maschino on Saturday. His 6yo mare Bonjoy nailed another black-type victory in the LR Grandstand Cup (1500m) scoring by a half-length over Fast Flicker (A Lot) at Ascot.
Bonjoy had saluted in the LR Bunbury Stakes (1400m) on March 7 and the latest purse increased her earnings to $730,000. She also maintains a 50% winning strike-race with 13 wins from 26 starts. The Jason Miller-trained mare was profiled here after her south west win.
The Bonjoy double bookended the LR Natasha Stakes (2200m) victory of the Neville Parnham-trained Masmelo at Ascot last Saturday. The untapped Maschino filly could emulate Machine Gun Gracie in this year’s G2 WA Derby and G3 WA Oaks.
