Cover image courtesy of Michael McInally Photography
Queen Of Wizardry had trialled well in Sydney for trainer Annabel Neasham, but was friendless in the betting market and she belied her long odds to power to victory in Saturday’s Magic Millions QTIS 2YO H.
She is now assured of a start in the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic and is also eligible for the $500,000 bonus on offer on January 16 to all-female owned or leased horses.
“She’s been so professional from day one and her pedigree suggests she’ll get a mile or 2000 metres.” Neasham said. “She gives me that feel, she’s got such a big stride.
“She had done everything so well that we thought we would roll the dice and Eagle Farm is a big track that suits her so it’s a great result.”
Queen of Wizardry was purchased by Aquis for $400,000 at the Gold Coast where she was offered by Tyreel Stud and is raced by Loretta Fung, wife of Aquis Chairman Tony, and media personality Lizzie Jelfs.
“We are very big fans of the sire and this filly was high on our radar. She’s beautifully bred and was very impressive today,” Aquis Managing Director Shane McGrath said.
Shane McGrath (right)
Sent out at 30-1, Queen Of Wizardry settled back of midfield for rider Stephanie Thornton and once she got to the outside the filly mowed down her rivals to score by 0.4l.
“She had trialled well and she gave her a lovely, patient ride,” McGrath said. “We knew she would love the 1200 metres and she was quite green so she’s only going to improve.
“We knew she would love the 1200 metres and she was quite green so she’s only going to improve.” – Shane McGrath
“We’ll let the dust settle now and with 2-year-olds you can have them one day and they can go shin sore the next day so we’ll see what happens next.”
Bred by Wallings Bloodstock, Queen Of Wizardry is the first winner for Miss Hufflepuff (Encosta De Lago), who was successful three times from 1400 to 2000 metres.
Queen Of Wizardry as a yearling
The dam is a sister to the former champion Hong Kong stayer Liberator, winner of the Listed Champions & Chater Cup, and to the dam of the G2 The Roses winner Etana (Shamus Award).
They are out of the Listed Leopardstown Silken Glider S. winner Miss Helga (Ire) (Alzao {USA}), whose sister Alexis (Ire) won the G3 Woodbine Dance Smartly H.
Rich praise for trainer
McGrath heaped praise on the conditioning skills of Neasham for producing Queen Of Wizardry in such tip-top condition for her first appearance.
“Annabel has done a super job and full credit to her. It’s the very early stages of her career so all honours to the trainer for such a marvellous effort and we’re delighted to have a winner on a Saturday,” he said.
“It’s great for the Fung family and Lizzie Jelfs, who has been lifetime friends with Annabel so I’m pretty sure the girls will be having a glass or two.”
The Stuart Kendrick representative Win Burn (Shooting To Win) finished runner-up at the Sunshine Coast in his first appearance last month and was again a gallant second and hot favourite Ranch Hand (Fastnet Rock) was a sound third.
The Chris Waller-prepared colt, who was sent out short off the back of a smart first-up win at Warwick Farm, was in a good early position before he was shuffled back and also raced greenly in the straight.
