Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions
In a dramatic finish long-time favourite for the race Isotope (Deep Field) clipped the heals of rival Away Game (Snitzel) at the top of the straight and stumbled, dislodging jockey Ryan Maloney. Both horses and jockey walked away from the incident seemingly without major injuries.
Jumping from the second-widest barrier under James McDonald, Aim settled second last in the run before beginning his run around the bend. The son of Star Witness was widest around the turn and used the impressive turn of foot he showed as an early 2-year-old to storm home down the outside and win by 1.75l.
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace took out the minor placings as Amish Boy (Star Witness) came home in second, securing a quinella for the Widden Stud-based stallion Star Witness, with iron filly Away Game holding on for third after racing on the speed.
Paul Snowden was delighted to see Aim return to the winner’s stall, particularly after a deal to sell him to Hong Kong fell through.
“We were pretty confident, I only wanted to get on one horse of ours coming up here and it was him,” Snowden said. “He just needed to get back on to firm going.
“We were pretty confident, I only wanted to get on one horse of ours coming up here and it was him.” - Paul Snowden
“He probably lost his way a little bit after his 2-year-old season but he’s back as a gelding this preparation and it’s good to win one.
“He was sold (to Hong Kong) and the money didn’t come through so it was just play on.”
James McDonald pats Aim as they return to the winner's stall | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
It was the first time McDonald had ridden Aim and Snowden was delighted they were able to secure him for the ride.
“Mark Guest (jockey manager) owes me a beer, we tried to sell him the ride for James (McDonald) and he said they were going with Forbidden Love,” he said.
“Mark Guest (jockey manager) owes me a beer, we tried to sell him the ride for James (McDonald) and he said they were going with Forbidden Love.” - Paul Snowden
“I knew he (McDonald) was going to Byron Bay for 10 days and he wasn’t going to make the weight (54.5kg) so I just waited and I’m glad I did, the rest is history.”
Bringing up his second Magic Millions 3YO Guineas win after partnering Sweet Idea (Snitzel) to win in 2014, McDonald said the hot speed of the race played to the advantage of Aim.
“The speed was on from the start which made it a real testing 1400 metres but he was strong late,” McDonald said.
“This is my first ride on him, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him but he gave me a great feel today.”
Aim as a yearling
Aim was purchased by China Horse Club and Newgate Bloodstock for $200,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Newhaven Park and is the second foal out of Vintage Strike (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}).
Out of G1 Coolmore Classic winner Bollinger (Dehere {USA}), Vintage Strike is a half-sister American Grade 2 winner Friesan Fire (USA) (A.P Indy {USA}) and G2 Sandown Guineas winner Villermont (All Too Hard).
Vintage Strike has a yearling colt by Written Tycoon and was served by Toronado (Ire) in September last year.
