A close third in the Group I ATC Winx Stakes when resuming from a spell, the Matthew Smith trained Deep Impact stallion Fierce Impact (Jpn) had a little fitness edge over some of his key rivals in the Group I VRC Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday and he used it to good effect.
Fierce Impact beats Russian Camelot to win the G1 Makybe Diva - image Reg Ryan / Racing Photos
Well ridden by Mark Zahra, Fierce Impact started favourite and came with a perfectly timed run to outpoint last year’s SA Derby winner Russian Camelot and win by a short neck
It was the third Group I win at a mile for Fierce Impact, who took out the MRC Toorak Handicap and VRC Cantala Stakes last spring.
“I thought I was going to win easier, but obviously Russian Camelot is a very good horses,” said Mark Zahra.
The Cox Plate is a possibility for Fierce Impact, whose best wins have been at 1600m, although he did win the Group III ATC Summer Cup over 2000m in 2018.
“He’s got a very good trainer and at this time of year if you’re going good, why not see,” he added.
Fierce Impact - image Natasha Morello / Racing Photos
Fierce Impact was consigned to the 2017 Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale where he was purchased by his trainer for 120,000 guineas.
It’s been an inspired purchase as Fierce Impact now has the overall record of six wins and 11 placings from 27 starts with prizemoney topping $3.1million doing an outstanding job for his ownership group that includes Seymour Bloodstock and Frank Cook in whose colours he runs.
The blue-blooded stallion has an impressive pedigree as a full brother to Japanese Group I winner Keiai Nautique from Group III winner Keiai Gerbara, a grand-daughter of US Group III winner Edge.
