Jenni’s Meadow presses rich Magic Millions Classic claims

Ben Hayes was disappointed to miss out on Jenni’s Meadow at this year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale, but he could be returning to the 2024 Magic Millions offering with the filly after she started her career with a win on Saturday.

The daughter of Brutal is a big chance to head north for the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic after a strong win in 1200-metre juvenile event that kicked off The Valley card.

Hayes considers himself privileged to have Jenni’s Meadow in his and his brothers, Will and JD’s, stable after her owner Tony Ottobre outlasted Lindsay Park with a bid of $260,000 on the Gold Coast.

“We loved her at the sale and Tony actually beat us, so we went straight up to him after and said, ‘is there a chance we could have her to train?’,” Hayes recalled.

“Obviously Tony gave her to us, so a big thank you to Tony, he’s a great judge and we’re looking forward to having a bit of fun with her.

“She’s just a lovely filly that has probably booked her ticket off that win to go the Magic Millions.

“We’ll see how she pulls up and see how the race and everything works out, but at this stage I think it’s an opportunity you can’t miss, running for that money.”

Jenni’s Meadow ($4.60) who was well backed with betting sites unwound a strong finish under Daniel Stackhouse to hold off Leon and Troy Corstens-trained debutant In Her Eyes ($4.60), who was held up for clear running entering the straight, to score narrowly with Lady Gimlet ($6) one length away third.

The victory was significant for Jenni’s Meadow’s Newgate Farm-based stallion Brutal, who had not had a placegetter from three runners to the track before Saturday.

“Brutal himself didn’t kick off until late in his two-year-old career, so for him to have a winner this early just proves how well he’s started,” Hayes said.

“She’s got a lovely big action and I do think she will be better once she gets out over further, so it’s nice that she’s showing speed as a you horse.”