O’Donnell leads growing fan base for Machine Gun Gracie

Machine Gun Gracie's growing fanbase was left in awe after she dominated her rivals in Saturday’s Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m) at Ascot.

One of her biggest supporters is experienced jockey Shaun O'Donnell, who has immense admiration for the Justine Erkelens-trained Maschino filly.

With an impressive record of two wins and two seconds from four starts, O'Donnell believes Machine Gun Gracie is just beginning to tap into her true potential.

Having been involved with her from the start, O'Donnell is eager to secure two more major wins before she concludes her debut racing campaign.

Currently, Machine Gun Gracie is the overwhelming favorite to claim victory in the WA Oaks (2400m) on April 5. If all goes according to plan, she will then take on the boys in the WA Derby (2400m) two weeks later.

Delighted by her rapid rise, O'Donnell is confident that Machine Gun Gracie is an exceptional filly with a bright future ahead.

"It's pretty awesome and surreal," O'Donnell said on Tabradio.

"Everything is unfolding nicely with this big girl."

"I like the way she powered to the line and up the hill at Ascot."

"It was a fantastic effort by her, she's a phenomenon, I love her."

"She's a pleasure to ride and listens to everything you ask her to do."

"It's amazing, they don't come along often like this."

O'Donnell believes Machine Gun Gracie’s smooth racing style will allow her to handle the extra 200m required for the WA Oaks.

"She has a strong, fluent stride," O'Donnell said.

"The extra 200m can find some out as they progress to this distance."

"But I'm confident she'll reach that distance, no worries with her racing manner."

While the WA Oaks remains the immediate focus, O'Donnell is already looking ahead to the WA Derby, should everything go as expected.

"If everything turns out well in the Oaks you'll proceed to have a crack at the boys," O'Donnell said.

"Why not, they are only three once, but I'm very excited to be on her and headed towards the WA Oaks."

Machine Gun Gracie was a smart $45,000 purchase by Justine Erkelens at the Perth Magic Millions Sale.

The Muchea-based trainer has a sharp eye for fillies, having previously guided Own The Queen to a remarkable five-race winning streak just a year ago.

Own The Queen had an incredible campaign, excelling in the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and Natasha Stakes before sealing her season with a WA Oaks victory.

O'Donnell praised Erkelens for her ability to discover and develop another top-class filly in back-to-back seasons.

"It's a bit hard to compare horses each year," O'Donnell said.

"But, gees, you would have to pinch yourself a little bit."

"I think she's (Erkelens) just happy having another one following up from last year."