Itsa Fait Accompli claims Highway Handicap

Gundagai trainer David Blundell has picked another opportune moment to bring Itsa Fait Accompli to Sydney for a Highway Handicap.

The four-year-old gelding supplied both of Blundell’s Highway victories last season and he was on target again at Warwick Farm to claim the 100th running of the race for country horses.

Itsa Fait Accompli claimed his first Highway Handicap (1800m) in July and he gave Blundell his first win of this season when he prevailed as a $16 chance.

Blundell originally thought Saturday’s 1600m trip would be a touch short for Itsa Fait Accompli so was pleasantly surprised when he held off fellow outsider Newtown Bluebag ($20) to win by a half-neck.

Volpe ($5) was half length back in third.

“It was a well timed run, and a tough ride by Jay (Ford), he’s a tough horse to ride and he got the money,” Blundell said.

“I thought it may be too short but all’s well.”

Itsa Fait Accompli ended up with Blundell, who has a stable of 14, after two uninspiring trials for James Cummings in early 2016.

“He was too slow. I can understand that. He’s one of those horses that if you bred him you’d have to wait for him to develop,” he said.