Special win for Heathcote Trainer
Robert Heathcote celebrated a special victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday when Deep Image (Testa Rossa) won the Magic Millions The Buffering.
The $200,000 race is named in honour of the superb Queensland sprinter Buffering (Mossman), who Heathcote trained to win 20 of his 55 starts and more than $7.3 million. He scored Group 1 victories in the Manikato S., VRC Sprint Classic, and two editions of both the Moir S. and the Winterbottom S.
“It is a thrill,” Heathcote said. “I might even get a photo of this win for my office wall. I went and had a beer with Buffering the other day where he is retired and he is fine.”
Deep Image has now won eight of his 20 starts, earning $407,950 in stakes, and Saturday’s win means he avoids the ballot for the Magic Millions Cup on January 11.
Eventful day for Stockdale
Apprentice Thomas Stockdale was dealt a double blow after guiding Play Me Now (NZ) (Bernardini {USA}) to victory in the opening race at The Valley.
The victory in the $99 Summer Membership H. was Stockdale's first at a Saturday metropolitan, but it also ended his day.
Feeling the effects of wasting to ride Play Me Now at 52 kilograms, Stockdale was stood down from his remaining rides for the day. Along with losing two other rides at the meeting, Stockdale was also slapped with an eight-meeting careless riding suspension.
The Candy Man Magic Millions-bound
Crowd favourite The Candy Man (Casino Prince) is set to be a major drawcard at the Magic Millions meeting after winning Saturday’s Shoot Out Quality at Eagle Farm.
The victory was the 10th win of the popular grey’s 21-start career and earned him a wildcard entry into the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy at the Gold Coast on January 11.
Trainer Barry Baldwin said The Candy Man might not be the best horse in Queensland, but he appeared to be the most popular.
“You could hear the cheering here today,” he said. “But it isn't just at the track, but also pubs and clubs. I am told when he runs there is always a big cheer every time he wins.”
Dusty Tycoon unhurt in training accident
Magic Millions contender Dusty Tycoon (Written Tycoon) escaped injury in a trackwork incident on Saturday morning.
Dusty Tycoon, who has won both her starts, is assured of a run in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and is a $11 chance in current markets.
Trainer Robert Heathcote said Dusty Tycoon worked with a stablemate and seemed to shy at something, dislodging Smith, who suffered bruising and had to forgo his rides at Eagle Farm.
Leviathan enters Guineas contention
The Snowden Racing contingent heading to the Gold Coast has been further strengthened with Leviathan (Zoustar) booking his ticket to the Magic Millions Guineas with a victory at Randwick.
Peter and Paul Snowden elected not to run Leviathan in Friday's Gosford Guineas, won by his stablemate Hightail (Written Tycoon), and saved him for the 1400 metres of the Sky Racing H. a day later.
Leviathan pounced late in the race and won by a length and a quarter.
Leviathan and Hightail will have their work cut out against Queensland star Alligator Blood who again won impressively at Eagle Farm on Saturday, but both will be on the float to go north for the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas on January 11.
Hat-trick for Pierrless
Pierrless (Pierro) has continued her rise through the grades with a third consecutive victory on Saturday at The Valley.
The Lindsay Park-trained mare added the Ladbrokes Back Yourself H. to previous wins at Mornington and Sandown. Ridden by Lewis German, Pierrless led all the way and won by a length and a half.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes said there were no big plans for Pierrless, saying the filly had done a great job this preparation.
Cumani continues hot run
The Matt Cumani stable has continued its recent run of form with Ryan's Fender (Helmet) leading throughout to score at The Valley.
Saturday's Ladbrokes Odds Boost H. was the stable's 11th winner from its past 40 starters. A double on Pakenham Cup day, including the feature with Etah James (NZ) (Raise the Flag {GB}), was the highlight, along with Ryan's Fender scoring at Flemington a week later.
Ryan's Fender's victory was Cumani's fifth for the week across Victoria, starting at Colac last Saturday along with success at Werribee (Tuesday) and at Nhill and Penshurst on Boxing Day.
