A return to Eagle Farm and the poise of jockey Damian Browne proved the catalyst for Fire Up Fifi’s win in the Spear Chief Handicap on Saturday.
Browne had Fire Up Fifi, the $2.30 favourite, cruising in third place to the home turn before she produced an impressive turn of foot in the straight.
Fire Up Fifi, Damian Browne - Photo by Daniel Costello
The grey had 1-1/4 lengths to spare from Tokamak ($5.50) with Meet George ($18) a half neck away third.
“The roomier track was what she was looking for and Damian produced a pearler of a ride,” trainer Robert Heathcote said.
“She’s just had no luck at her past few starts and she thoroughly deserved that win.”
The ease of Fire Up Fifi’s win was in contrast to the Eagle Farm Cup 40 minutes earlier when Browne had to defend his ride on Quintessential before stewards dismissed a protest from Manighar.
“If all races went to plan like that it would be lovely but she gives 100 per cent all the time and I never had a worry at any stage,” Browne said.
“They went pretty steady up front and she was able to track up behind Listen Son most of the way and put them away pretty quickly when I asked her to go.”
Heathcote said Fire Up Fifi’s main aim during the winter carnival was the Group One Tatt’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 22.
