Russell's Perfect Cup ‘Fit'

SPEED machine Fab Fit made a one act affair of Thursday night's Ipswich Gold Cup Final (520m) leading all-the-way to defeat unlucky race favourite Cosmic Bonus in a fast 30.43.

Claiming a second group race victory, having annexed the Group 3 Casino Cup in September, the daughter of Fabregas and Befitting set up a race winning lead with electrifying sectionals of 5.22 and 18.30 before stopping the clock in 30.43, defeating a fast finishing Cosmic Bonus – who went within half-a-length of holding the front through the first turn – by 1 ¼ lengths.

Winding up third was Fire To Rain for trainer Chris Riordon a further half-length away.

It was a red-letter night for trainer Darren Russell who not only guided Fab Fit to Ipswich Cup glory but also finished first and second in the sprint feature of the night over 431m, with Go Lassie Go, an outstanding heat winner of the series a week earlier, defeating kennelmate Lobcha by 5 ¼ lengths in a sizzling 24.58.

Claiming an incredible 32^nd race win from 77 starts, Go Lassie Go went within 1/100^th of Bubble Guppy's two year old track record with Thursday night's outstanding display.