Driver Zara Fitzpatrick. Photo by Club Menangle
THEY might be hard work but exciting young reinswoman Zara Fitzpatrick admits she actually prefers driving square-gaiters to pacers.
And the 17-year-old showed why on Saturday night when she landed her first Saturday night metropolitan success, scoring with Cee Cee In Paris in the Trotters Foundation Final for two-year-olds at Menangle.
True to form, Fitzpatrick heads back to Menangle today with just two drives on the seven-race program – and they’re both trotters.
She will have her first race drive on three-year-old filly Your Majesty for her trainer/father Blake Fitzpatrick in Race 1 before taking the steer behind another promising trotter in My Lightning McQueen for trainer Sofia Arvidsson in Race 2.
Your Majesty has had just four race starts for one third placing although she broke in all three of her other starts.
Still, she has shaped well this month with a trial win and another placing and Zara’s cool head should give her every chance today after drawing perfectly in gate two.
Likewise, My Lightning McQueen has her first run for almost five months and after three handy trials looks a likely prospect in Race 2 after drawing gate three over the mile against some seasoned campaigners.
Buoyed by her success on Saturday night, Fitzpatrick said Cee Cee In Paris’s win was something special as the youngster was bred, owned and trained by her mother Lisa.
“That was probably the highlight of my career so far,” said Zara.
“The fact mum trains her and she’s a family horse made it even more special.
“It felt like it was taking forever to get that Saturday night win.
“I haven’t had much luck, so it was good to get that monkey off my back.”
Fitzpatrick said Cee Cee In Paris had always shown ability at home.
“In the trials there have been a few that trialled better than her,” she said.
“But she kept improving and her last two or three runs she has gone to another level.
“Credit must also go to Dad (Blake Fitzpatrick) for being so patient with her too and that is now paying off.
“Her first start she wasn’t on her best behaviour and I probably tried to rush her a bit early.
“After that I just took my time and let her find her feet early.
“Even on Saturday night she was more confident in herself and came out a lot better.
“I think she’ll be an ever better horse next time in.”
