True Fiction wasn’t far off Perth’s leading 2yo division last season but signalled he can bridge that gap as a 3yo with a flashing-light victory in the AFGRI Equipment Maiden (1000m) at Northam on Sunday.

The Gingerbread Man gelding firmed from $8.50 into $4.20, nevertheless, there would have been some anxious moments for punters when he was still spotting the Luke Fernie-trained flyer Beyond The Wall (Spirit Of Boom) six lengths into the straight.

True Fiction began making inroads for Jason Whiting when Beyond The Wall drifted to the centre of the track and he had the leader covered quick-smart as did runner-up Celebrity Angel (Universal Ruler) who charged home closer to the rails.

Serpentine trainer David Harrison prepares True Fiction after buying him at last year’s Perth Magic Millions.  He was bred and sold by Darling View Thoroughbreds and the vendors maintained a share in a syndicate that outlaid $50,000 at the Swan Valley Sale.

During an initial campaign last summer, he had finished fourth in the $150,000 TBWA Westspeed Platinum Plate (1000m) at Ascot in December and midfield in the RL Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra in February.

“True Fiction has a fair deal of ability and if he’s good enough to win Saturday races in town we could look at some of the 3yo feature races at Ascot,” Darling View Stud Manager Brent Atwell said.  “He was coming back is distance second-up yesterday and it was a very good win especially for several clients and some close friends who are first-time owners.”

Yarradale Stud resident Gingerbread Man sired him from Mystic Maid (Patronize) who was runner-up in the 2015 G2 Karrakatta Plate and G3 Gimcrack Stakes.  The mare has a Gingerbread Man yearling filly who has been entered for the 2026 Perth Magic Millions and she is due to Winning Rupert in a fortnight.

Gingerbread Man is off to a flyer this season with Phanta (LR Idyllic Prince Stakes & LR Belmont Newmarket) and Ginger Baker (Coolgardie Cup) who can also double up in the LR Boulder Cup (2100m) this coming Sunday.

True Fiction heads Gingerbread Man’s younger brigade that also includes Greenfields Lodge homebred 3yo filly Perfect Sister.  She won an Ascot nursery on debut in April and can up the ante when resuming in the Western Racepix Hcp (1300m) at Belmont on Wednesday.

Gingerbread Man (Shamardal) stands alongside Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor) at Yarradale and they are both priced at $5,500 (inc GST) service fees this season.   For all enquiries contact Stud Manager Davy Hanratty on 0429 336 904.

True Fiction defeats Celebrity Angel and Beyond The Wall (blinkers) at Northam / Photo: Western Racepix