Trots Centre: Fred hopes to Fashion another winner

In the wake of a hard-earned win by one of his fleet, owner Fred Crews is hopeful the good times will roll on to Kilmore tonight, when something of a problem child makes her debut in the Beraldo Coffee Maiden Pace.

Four-year-old mare Fashion Shark will attempt to translate her first start into a first win when she steps out for trainer Isabel Walsh, reinsman Josh Aiken and her owner-breeder in tonight’s third race, which streams at 7.37pm on Trots Vision.

“She was with another trainer and had a few little problems, so I gave her to Peter and Isabel (Walsh) who have had a bit of success with problem horses,” Crews said.

And she will carry plenty of favour, with TAB installing her a $1.20 favourite to win on debut, a reflection of her impressive trial form and sound breeding.

The four-year-old by Four Starzzz Shark is out of Gezzano, an unraced Life Sign mare who was a sister to Real Life ($308,128) and Mister Anthony ($268,695).

“Both won a lot of money,” Crews, their breeder, said. “Hopefully she can produce a win and win her Vicbred bonus.

“She’s had two trials and won both pretty easily, so it was time to get her to the races. This field is not overly strong, so it looks a good place to start. The stable’s kept their cards close to their chest, it’s just good to get her to the races.”

Crews was buoyant after one of his more honest pacers, Sicario, who he shares with a big ownership group, broke through in Saturday night’s VHRC Caduceus Classic.

Previously winless this campaign, which extended back 11 starts for two placings, Sicario broke through for Chris Alford and Brent Lilley after cornering better than favourite Code Black and then holding the prolific country cup winner at bay.

“Everything fell into place on Saturday night,” Crews said.

“He’s competed against the top liners all his life. He’s probably not one of the top 10 horses, but is probably in the next 10, so it makes it that bit difficult and means everything has to go his way.

“My wife (part-owns) Fourbigmen and I thought he looked home at the top of the straight, but then he fell away and Sicario got home and gave us all a great thrill.”

And it’s only renewed Crews’ enthusiasm for the summer ahead, with a series of country cups and Grand Circuit races featuring in a compressed calendar.

“Gee there is some exciting races coming up. He might even go to Adelaide again for the South Australia Cup, we’ll just see what (trainer) Brent (Lilley) comes up with.”

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