Mare makes history

Invincibella (I Am Invincibella) created history at the Gold Coast when she stormed to victory in the Sky Racing Active Magic Millions Fillies and Mares.

The outstanding mare became the first horse to win three editions of a Magic Millions event when she produced an irresistible finish in the hands of Hugh Bowman.

“She’s been a great horse and when they’ve been in the stab le for such a long time they become pets, and she’s a fast pet,” trainer Chris Waller said. “Winning races on these days is very special.”

Kiwi target for mare

Luvaluva (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) has earned herself a trip across the Tasman after landing back-to-back stakes wins with a classy performance in the Listed January Cup.

"She is now in form and she's got a bit of confidence. We thought if she went well we might try to get a Group 1 in New Zealand," trainer John Sargent said.

The race Sargent has in mind is the weight-for-age Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on February 8.

"She will drop two kilos and the 2000 metres will be ideal," he said.

Stradbroke dream alive

Trainer Tony Gollan believes Vega One (Lope de Vega {Ire) can develop into a genuine G1 Stradbroke H. contender following hi success in the Pafiic Fair Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.

"I really want to win the Stradbroke. It's a race I've never won, but he's a really good horse and think he's the one who can do it," Gollan said.

"He's ballot-free for the Stradbroke after winning his last start at Eagle Farm so I can put him away and map out a good program for him for the winter.

"There's no pressure on me now to make the race and I've just got to get him back in this shape or better."

Waller spot on

Chris Waller’s judgement was proved right when Madam Rouge (Zoustar) won the Magic Millions Snippets at the Gold Coast.

Waller thought about running Madam Rouge in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares before opting to run her in the Snippets.

"We wanted to separate her and Invincibella. They're both very good horses and when she drew barrier one in this race it made the decision a bit easier," Waller said.

"I didn't want them both running together. I think Madam Rouge can come back next year and probably run in the Fillies and Mares race."

McNeil in hot form

Jye McNeil bagged four winners at Flemington on Saturday, including the Listed Chester Manifold S. aboard Amadeus (Amadeus Wolf {GB}).

It is the first time he has achieved that feat in town and it added to an impressive start to 2020 for the jockey, who has notched eight winners from his last four city meetings.

"I've ridden four winners once before at Echuca," McNeil said. "There's a lot more prestige doing it here at Flemington."

McNeil said he wasn’t confident about his chances with Amadeus until late in the piece. "He seemed to labour around the turn but I didn't rush him," McNeil said. "I just took my time and I didn't chase too early and he was very good over the final stages."

Looking ahead

Co-trainer Ciaron Maher is already thinking of a winter campaign for Etana (Shamus Award).

His thoughts were on the future after her victory in the Frizelle Sunshine Magic Millions Quality.

"She really thrives when she gets to Queensland. I'm reluctant to take her home, she likes it that much," Maher said.

"She takes a while to hit form so I'll see what else is around. She’s likely to have another run, but we'll target some better races with her in the winter carnival."

Filly strikes again

Smart filly Rubisaki (Rubick) has continued her top run of form with success at Flemington.

Trained by Patick Payne and ridden by in-form Jye McNeil, Rubisaki was sent out favourite for Saturday's The Roof Garden H. and duly obliged.

"She's a very nice filly, obviously," McNeil said. "I think we've determined that and she's proven quite dominant once again.

"I thought the way she chased and let down off a slow tempo was quite impressive."

Plan comes off

A long-range plan came to fruition when He'll Haunt Us (Time For War) won the Magic Millions Maiden at the Gold Coast.

Co-trainer Mick Price said there were no big plans for the 3-year-old and his main mission had been to win the $250,000 maiden.

"They don't come along every day and we have been looking at this race for a while," he said.

Guy at it again

On a day where she tasted Group 1 success with Gaultier (NZ) (Rios) in the Levin Classic in 2017, Matamata trainer Danica Guy was at it again when she produced Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) to take out G3 Bluestar Anniversary H.

The gelding had looked a promising type when scoring twice over the distance at his most recent starts, but Saturday’s black type challenge looked a significant step up for the 4-year-old who was having just his 13thcareer start.

“He’s just kept stepping up and as he’s got more tractable in his racing manners, he’s showing us what he can be,” Guy said. “I definitely think that there is more to come."

Boss the beneficiary

James McDonald’s misfortune was Glen Boss’ good fortune when he won the Ferrari Magic Millions Triophy.

McDonald was to ride Primitivo (Sebring), but when he failed to make the weight Boss got the call up.

"When you can replace one champion with another you can't complain," trainer John Thompson said.

The Randwick-based trainer also deserves credit as Primitivo was going from 1600 metres to 2400 metres on Saturday.

"We were looking at the 1800 metre race, but when we had a look at the fields this looked easier and there was more money," Thompson said.

Conlan in hospital

Trainer Jim Conlan is in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital after a fall from a horse on Saturday morning.

It is believed the five-time Group 1 winning trainer suffered possible broken ribs when he was dislodged at the Pinecliff property at Mt Eliza where he prepares a small team.

All the way win

Camino Rocoso (NZ) (Shocking) produced a bold display of front-running to land the G3 Barneswood Farm Trentham S.

The 6-year-old pulled his way to the front and opened up a big break on the field under jockey Chris Johnson and he held a strong gallop to defeat last-start G1 Zabeel Classic runner-up Fiscal Fantasy (Skilled).

“That’s what he can do and how he likes to run,” said Karen Parsons, who trains with her husband John. “He can keep going off a quick tempo and that’s what we thought he could do.”

Bargain buy

Opalescence (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) is proving an outstanding money-spinner for trainer and part-owner Jenna Mahoney.

The 2-year-old won for the second time in three starts when she made the running and rallied gallantly to land the William The Protector Premier at Trentham.

“I saw her on gavelhouse.com and got her for NZ$1000,” Mahoney said. “I wasn’t expecting her to lead and would have been happy if something else crossed, but nobody wanted to and the Showcasings keep lifting.”