By Chris Barsby
Star mare Forever Gold is the only female in Saturday’s Gr.1 $125,000 UBET Blacks A Fake at Albion Park this Saturday night.
It’s not the first time she has tackled the boys and it probably won’t be the last time either.
The bonny mare is one of the best that the sunshine state has produced and it’s a list that runs deep.
Following her fourth straight success last week in the Gr.3 Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes in a scorching mile of 1;53.5, connections have all the confidence they need heading into this weekend’s feature event.
“What else can I say about this mare because I think I’ve said it all and many times over; she puts her heart into everything she does when she’s on the racetrack and she fights right to the very end.” Co-owner and breeder Murray Cole said.
Forever Gold has drawn ideally in the 2680m staying test and will start from gate two if the emergency does not secure a start which provides ample opportunities for her driver, Natalie Rasmussen.
The pair combined for the first time last week and struck instantly with success in the mares feature and Rasmussen is happy to stick with the gutsy mare even though she did drive top Kiwi pacer Smolda at his most recent start in the Sunshine Sprint when second two weeks ago.
Forever Gold is trained by Darren Weeks, partner of Natalie’s sister Kylie, the former driver of the star mare before being sidelined with recurring back injuries following a fall late last year.
“The mare wouldn’t be what she is if it wasn’t for Darren and Kylie, they’ve done an amazing job with the mare, so meticulous with their planning and management of the mare and that’s great testament to them both.
“Darren tells me that she’s eating well and working super so we’re thrilled with her form currently, her effort in the Sunshine Sprint was super and then last week she proved that she’s right on target with a commanding performance. Natalie only flicked her with the whip twice and she responded so well, it was great to see.
“I’m thrilled with the draw and hopefully Natalie can maintain her 100% winning record on the mare. Obviously horses like Philadelphia Man, Smolda and Avonnova are considered the big three but I wouldn’t swap her for anything.”
Last year, Forever Gold ran fifth in the Blacks A Fake won by champion pacer Im Themightyquinn.
The Gr.2 $50,000 Redcliffe Gold Cup on August 1 is a distinct possibility but no decision has been made at this point.
And Cole is happy to leave that decision to Weeks and Rasmussen.
“As long she’s happy and if they’re happy, she’ll keep racing. There’s no set date, it’s as easy as that.”
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