Trainer Blake Fitzpatrick switched codes on the weekend and it paid dividends. Photo by Club Menangle
IT has been a massive and rewarding week for the Fitzpatrick boys from Cawdor in Sydney's south-west.
Last Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Menangle, Gavin notched up an important milestone when he drove his 1600th winner aboard Jay OK, which took out the $50,000 Australian Pacing Gold Four-Year-Olds Consolation.
Trained by his father Paul and part-owned by his mother Lyn, Jay OK was driven a treat by Gavin who, from gate eight, was able to find his way onto the pegs where he settled the gelding before making his winning move on straightening for home.
Under a strong drive from Fitzpatrick, Jay OK overpowered the leaders to score in a fast 1.50.7.
Then on Sunday, brother Blake travelled to Bathurst races where he won with the galloper Soldier’s Desire, which is owned by some of the biggest names in harness racing, the win proving the talent and versatility that Blake possesses as a horseman.
“We have had a massive week with Gav bringing up yet another significant milestone and me training winners in different codes of racing,” said Blake.
“We work hard to ensure that we achieve good results with the horses and things are going great for us.”
At Penrith on Thursday night, Blake is hoping that his good run of success can continue.
“I have five drives at Penrith, and it is a track where I get my fair share of winners,” he said.
Fitzpatrick suggested that three-year-old, Merrywood Lyn could be his best chance of winning when he goes around in Race 6.
“Wayne Dimech’s filly Merrywood Lyn was a very nice two-year-old, winning more than $60,000, including the NSW Breeders Challenge True Blue Final,” said Fitzpatrick.
“She copped a lot of heat at Goulburn when resuming which was not to her liking and she could not finish things off.
“But from the back line I will be able to drive her with a sit and I expect her to be flooding home over the top of them.”
Blake will drive Posh On The Beach for his father Paul in Race 3 and the gelding is coming off the back of an impressive win there last Thursday night.
He rated 1.57 in scoring by a massive 21 metre margin although tonight faces a stronger field that includes smart mare Dibaba.
