Tornado Valley hits back at Flemington
The connections of Tornado Valley have quickly moved on from the disappointment of his luckless first race appearance, with the colt confirming his promise in Tuesday’s running of the Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington.
Prepared by Ciaron Maher, the well-bred son of Too Darn Hot showed smart improvement from his third in the Listed Debutant Stakes on October 15, stepping up to claim the $240,000 Group 3 with Ethan Brown guiding him to victory.
However, the result was briefly in doubt when Ben Melham, rider of second-placegetter Tales Of Time, lodged a protest alleging interference during the race. After reviewing the head-on vision, stewards dismissed the protest and allowed the result to stand.
Maher was pleased that Tornado Valley had the chance to show his genuine ability without the issues that hindered him at Caulfield, and suggested the colt may soon head toward the lucrative Magic Millions series.
“It was just like a barrier trial, really,” Maher said of the colt’s debut outing.
“I thought he was a bit sleepy out of the gates, wobbled at the turn and was very good late.
“This colt is very well-bred and he’s got a bright future.
“Magic Millions is hard to pass up and he is progressive. (They’re) nice options to have.”
The $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 11 is now firmly on the radar.
Tornado Valley ($5) prevailed narrowly over Tales Of Time ($18), with Luna Vega ($10) another length and a half away in third.
Ethan Brown, who picked up the ride from Mark Zahra, was impressed with how much the colt had sharpened up.
“He probably hit the front a bit soon, but I just had to use him just to get out in clear running,” Brown said.
“He’s very responsive, he had a good look at the crowd, and he won with a bit in hand.
“He was just very green his first-up run, and it’s a sign of a good horse. He’s taken the right improvement.”
If you're backing a horse in the upcoming features, make sure to check odds and offers across Australia’s top betting sites to find the best value.
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...