The
Group III Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle on Thursday was won in commanding style by
progressive Casino Prince mare Fine Bubbles, a $105,000 Magic Millions purchase
from the draft of Yarraman Park.
The Kris Lees trained mare was having her first crack at Black Type company after
racing consistently in the lower grades and emerged triumphant.
She powered home from midfield for James McDonald, forging clear at the finish
to take the 1400 metre sprint by more than two lengths.
"She jogged up like an open sprinter," said the winning rider.
"I thought she'd go well but had no idea she'd put the sword to them that
easy."
Fine Bubbles has won five races and placed nine times from 24 starts earning
more than $250,000 in prizemoney for her owners, who include her trainer and
her breeders Ron Dufficy and the Yarraman Park Syndicate.
Fine Bubbles is the first foal of stakes-winning Sri Pekan (USA) mare Pekalan,
who comes from the family of slick stakes-winners Hot as Hell, Craig's Dragon
and Flaming Hot.
Pekalan has a yearling colt by Hinchinbrook and is due to foal this spring to
Foxwedge.
Fine Bubbles is the second stakes-winner in two days for Vinery Stud's Casino
Prince, whose smart son Hooked won the Group III Cameron Handicap at Newcastle
on Wednesday.
Standing at a great value fee of $16,500, Casino Prince is now the sire of
eight stakes-winners headed by All Too Hard.