Formality (Fastnet Rock)

Unbeaten Fastnet Filly Wins Group Three

A facile debut winner at Werribee last month, exciting filly Formality (3f Fastnet Rock x Jolie's Shinju, by Jolie's Halo) was favoured to beat the colts in the Group III MRC Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday and did the job in style. Prepared by the Hayes / Dabernig training partnership, Formality was partnered by Craig Williams, who gave the filly a lovely run in front despite being pestered by Spoils, who was over racing on her outside. While Spoils faded over the final furlong, Formality surged impressively to the line to win the 1000 metre scamper by two lengths in a manner that suggests 1200 metres will not be a problem. “She’s very good and very tough,” said Craig Williams. “When the chips were down she just kept going.” Formality will now head straight into the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) in three weeks time. “I was really taken by that,” said Tom Dabernig. “I like the way she got to the front and then relaxed. She’s not fully wound up, so there is good improvement to come. “She has the pedigree and the performance, so she’s a very exciting filly.” The 106th stakes-winner for champion sire Fastnet Rock, Formality was a modest $120,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Coolmore draft by Inglis as agent and runs for Coolmore and partners. Bred by Dr K Tan and foaled and raised at Coolmore, she is the fourth winner from four foals to race from 2009 Singapore Horse of the Year, Jolie’s Shinju (Jpn), a daughter of the Halo sire Jolie’s Halo. Jolie’s Shinju has a yearling colt by Fastnet Rock and was covered last year by Choisir.