Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
It’s been a long time between drinks for experienced seven-year-old pacer Mr Fantastic, who resumed after a five-month absence in fine style with a smart all-the-way victory in the $25,000 Don’t Think, Just Nova Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
This was the New Zealand-bred pacer’s first win since he set the pace and beat Lucca at Gloucester Park on November 24, 2023.
Trained and driven by Ryan Bell, Mr Fantastic was a well-supported $2 favourite when he took advantage of the No. 1 barrier by dictating terms in front, with a moderate lead time of 37.5sec. being followed by modest opening quarters of 31.5sec. and 29.4sec. before fast final 400m sections of 28.2sec. and 28.3sec.
He rated 1.57.1 and beat $11 chance Starlight Dream by a length and a half, with Im Lightning Banner ($7.50) finishing a close-up third after running on from fifth at the bell.
“I haven’t had Mr Fantastic for long, and he is a serious horse,” said Bell. “We’ve just got to get in his head a bit to give him confidence. He has had a few health issues, and tonight’s win was a good confidence boost. A good thing is that he is on allow grade with the national ratings.”
Mr Fantastic is by Bettors Delight and is the second foal out of Art Major mare Its All On, a winner at two of her twelve starts in New Zealand.
Mr Fantastic had 12 starts in New Zealand for four wins, two placings and $46,090. His record now stands at 52 starts for 15 wins, eight placings and $170,062.
His elder full-sister Bettor Get It On was retired after racing 51 times for eleven wins, 19 placings and $191,675, with her best performance was winning the 2022 Empress Stakes.
Mr Fantastic’s younger half-brother Hugotastic is unbeaten at four starts in WA and has a record of 18 starts for seven wins, seven placings and $89,282.