WITH an unbeaten record since racing in his care trainer-driver Blake Fitzpatrick could not be happier with the progress of Rollin With Holly.
The three-year-old has had two starts with Fitzpatrick and the filly has pleasantly surprised him each run.
“She’s improving quite a bit,” said Fitzpatrick.
“She is not an overly flash track-worker so her two runs have surprised me.
“She’s always been a nice type and we’re just really happy with how she is progressing.”
Rollin With Holly will face the starter for the third time in Fitzpatrick’s care at Penrith tonight.
This race is another stepping stone towards a big preparation connections have earmarked for the daughter of Roll With Joe.
“She has a busy year ahead,” said Fitzpatrick.
“She will race in next week’s Raith Memorial at Menangle and the New South Wales Oaks will be her main aim at this stage.”
Rollin With Holly has had 13 starts for five wins and four placings.
For her immediate task, Rollin With Holly has drawn barrier four in tonight’s TAB Rewards Pace (1720m) with Fitzpatrick in the sulky.
“She should be hard to beat,” said Fitzpatrick.
The Cawdor horseman has three other starters nominated tonight starting with Urban Girl in race three.
Having also won her last two starts, Fitzpatrick believes tonight’s assignment has its challenges.
“She’s an improver but drawn barrier 10 over the mile at Penrith is never easy,” said Fitzpatrick.
In the following event, Fitzpatrick has last start winner Burning Rubber drawn barrier four over the 2125m.
“He’s a very consistent horse and is in this race with a claim with Jason Grimson driving and looks a good chance again,” said Fitzpatrick.
Another good draw has Fitzpatrick optimistic about his other runner’s chance – Clarry in race five.
The pacer has drawn barrier three over the 1720m.
“He’s going well again and has a strong chance from the draw,” said Fitzpatrick.
Clarry won for Fitzpatrick two starts ago at Penrith.
The victory added to the strong season Fitzpatrick has experienced so far.
With 17 wins to his credit as a trainer and 13 wins as a driver for the term, Fitzpatrick is on track to experiencing stronger results than last season.
Overall, Fitzpatrick is one of the most successful drivers in New South Wales having steered 1870 winners.
As a trainer he boasts 614 victories to his credit.
AMANDA RANDO
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER