Storm Boy justifies $3m Magic Millions Classic hype
Gai Waterhouse added another Magic Millions 2YO Classic to her glittering resume when Storm Boy justified short-priced favouritism to make a one-act affair of the $3 million event on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The son of Justify made it three dominant wins from as many starts when he outclassed his rivals in the 1200-metre event.
It was the first win in the race for Waterhouse’s training partner Adrian Bott, but fifth for the Hall of Fame legend who has previously won with Assertive Lad (2000m), Excellerator (2001), Dance Hero (2004) and Driefontein (2012).
Bott was thrilled to see the colt turn in his best performance yet in his toughest test to date.
“It was an impressive performance once again,” Bott said.
“He’s gone from strength to strength and he really put it all together today.”
A $460,000 purchase at last year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Storm Boy became the second most expensive yearling to win the race behind $600,000 buy Exhilarates when he crushed his rivals by 2-1/2 lengths.
After jumping in the middle of the pack, the $2.50 favourite mustered quickly and sat three-wide for around 300m before jockey Adem Hyeroimus took up the spot outside longshot leader Mishani Aloha.
Storm Boy took over shortly after straightening and powered away to score from betting sites $4.40 second elect Highness with Spywire ($8.50) a further 2-1/4 lengths back third.
“It was a terrible start and I was three wide, but the way they’ve made the track now, I wasn’t too bothered because I was going to end up outside the leader so I had to take my time and get him into a rhythm and ride my own horse,” Hyeronimus said.
“The leader dropped off very quickly, which wasn’t ideal, but he was a lot more switched on today.”
Storm Boy cleared out at the head of Golden Slipper betting after the win and Bott said all energies would now be geared towards seeing him emulate Dance Hero and complete the double with the trip to Queensland a key part of the preparation for that event.
“When we get back home to Sydney, we’ve got a big autumn campaign ahead – we’ve got a Golden Slipper first and foremost,” he said.
“When they come back from Queensland they seem to be that much more mature and professional in everything they do.”
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...