View Full Version : Magic Millions
Thursday, 5 December 2002:
Highly-promising three-year-old Private Steer will trial at Rosehill on Tuesday in preparation for next month's $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (1400m) on the Gold Coast.
The Lee Curtis-trained filly burst into prominence when she brilliantly won the Listed Reginald Allen at Randwick on September 28 at only her third race start.
Curtis then elected to start the daughter of Danehill Dancer against the best of her age and sex in the Group One Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 5.
Private Steer finished a gallant third to Royal Purler and Victory Vein.
"She'll trial on Tuesday and then go around at Randwick on December 21," Curtis said.
"She had a month in the paddock but I've got to bring her in to get her ready for the Magic Millions.
"She's come back in great order and the trial should top her off nicely."
Curtis enjoyed success at Hawkesbury on Thursday when odds-on favourite Can't Drink, ridden by comeback jockey Lane Moloney, scored a comfortable win in the Westaflex-Aust Pty Ltd Mdn (1000m).
He said his Hong Kong Sprint aspirant Mistegic had settled in since arriving in Hong Kong but had a slight temperature and loss of weight on arrival.
"His temp was up a little bit, 38.5, but it has come down over the last day and he appears to be coming good," Curtis said.
"Before I took him down to Melbourne last year the same thing happened so I'm not worried provided he picks up next week.
"Apparently Scenic Peak also had a temperature and lost weight but Falvelon put on weight.
"He's a freak that horse."
Handy Harry
12-12-2002, 08:29
Top two-year-old clash on Saturday
Magic Millions interest hots up on Saturday when Rosehill hosts the strongest Sydney two-year-old form race so far this season.
Danebird, How Funny and Merhoob, all on the road to the Magic Millions. clash over 1100m on Saturday and barriers will be vital with 12 runners.
Randwick clocker Craig Tompson has no doubts this is best line-up of juveniles in Sydney since the season began.
Tompson expects How Funny, from the Gai Waterhouse camp, to fully test Danebird, a stylish winner at its only start.
“Danebird has had the advantage of a recent run but How Funny is a lovely big filly,” Tompson said.
“Her trial effort two weeks ago was outstanding and she’s done well since. She reminds me a lot of Chuckle, they are similar types.”
Tompson though has a good opinion of John O’Shea’s Merhoob.
“Forget his only start,” Tompson said. “He trialled well two weeks ago and I think he is a youngster who will go places.”
Danebird heads betting in the Magic Millions markets but Saturday’s sprint will have a huge bearing with the race four weeks away.
By: Racenet - Thursday, 12 December 2002
Handy Harry
16-12-2002, 10:41
Dress Code aims for Magic Millions success
Posted @ 07:40:00 PST by Brian Blackwell
The Magic Millions at the Gold Coast in January is the #1 mission for Robbie Laing's impressive galloper Dress Code, a strong winner at Moonee Valley on Thursday night.
Dress Code, a $20,000 buy, was one of two Laing-trained winners at the Valley. He was bought at the Magic Millions last January, and he's done enough in 3 outings to qualify him for a crack at the MM 2YO classic.
Thursday, December 12, 2002
Tuesday, 17 December 2002:
Trainer Lee Curtis returns to Sydney this week with something to look forward to after a disappointing end to his Hong Kong assault with his Group One star Mistegic.
Mistegic’s bid for the International Sprint at Sha Tin last Sunday ended in bitter disappointment for Curtis when the sprinter, after showing his usual speed to share the lead, weakened to finish a game sixth, 3.75 lengths from the winner All Thrills Too.
However it was the aftermath that really hit Curtis hard as Mistegic pulled up lame and was also deemed to have bled, which incurs an automatic three month ban from racing in Australia.
Fortunately Curtis has the right tonic to brighten his spirits when he returns to Sydney as he has his budding star Private Steer geared to resume at Randwick on Saturday.
Curtis has set Private Steer for the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (1400m) for three-year-olds at the Gold Coast on January 11, a race that is building as a showdown between some exciting fillies including dual G1 winner Lovely Jubly and the Brisbane boom horse Mardi Gras.
Private Steer has had only four starts but has shown she could be something out of the box with two wins and a third in the G1 Flight Stakes at Randwick in October before a spell.
The Danehill Dancer filly won her maiden at Kembla Grange by 10 lengths at her second start. She then stepped straight into a stakes race to win the Reginald Handicap Quality at Randwick before her third to Royal Purler and Victory Vein in the Flight Stakes.
Private Steer gave another indication of her potential when won a 900m barrier trial at Rosehill last week in the fastest time of the day.
Grant Buckley is booked to ride Private Steer in Saturday’s Leslie G. Rouse Handicap (1200m), the only start Curtis has planned for the filly before she runs at the Gold Coast.
Lovely Jubly, who resumed with an impressive third over 1100m at Rosehil last Saturday is expected to have another start in Sydney before she goes to the Gold Coast.
Mardi Gras, who resumed with a soft win at Doomben on December 7, will complete her build-up with another start at that track on December 28.
No victims for these followers of Fashion
By John Schell
December 21 2002
The David Hall-trained filly Fashion Victim will be out to thwart the Magic Millions prospects of the Gai Waterhouse-prepared Mimes at Randwick today.
While Mimes will be having her first start, Fashion Victim is making a hit-and-run visit at Randwick on her way to the Gold Coast following her debut win at Flemington in October.
Mimes will need to win today to secure a berth for the juvenile classic. Fashion Victim has already qualified.
Fashion Victim will carry topweight of 57.5kilograms in the Bimbadgen Estate Handicap with Melbourne jockey Vin Hall to ride. Chris Munce will be on Mimes.
Bookmaker Bill Hurley is betting on the Magic Millions through his Australian Sportsbook operation. Spokesman Col Greer said yesterday there has already been interest in the Melbourne filly.
"We have Fashion Victim rated at $11 and we fielded a number of inquiries about her on Friday," Greer said.
Waterhouse runners dominate Australian Sportsbook's Magic Millions market. Hasna is rated favourite at $3.60 ahead of How Funny ($4.25) and today's Randwick runner Aracena ($4.40).
Of Waterhouse's other main Gold Coast hopes, Shamekha is at $9, Imperialism $12, Snippy $13 and L'Espalier $26.
The Gerald Ryan-trained Danbird is quoted at $11 while Queensland filly Regimental Gal is at $9.
Handy Harry
30-12-2002, 08:06
Magical field for Millions
The Magic Millions two year-old race is building into a classy affair.
Favorite is currently the Gai Waterhouse trained Hasna (Chris Munce), after her emphatic win with 60.5kgs on Saturday at Rosehill.
Waterhouse also has How Funny qualified after her win in the TJ Smith at Doomben when ridden by Michael Pelling. Glen Boss will take over the reins in the MM after he returns from suspension.
Stablemates Snippy and L'Espalier have yet to qualify but Waterhouse is that keen to get Snippy in, she will trial the gelding at Coffs Harbour before sending him to Doomben, in an attempt to win a race the week before the Magic Millions.
Snippy was a barrier scratching on Saturday after he reared over the front of the stalls, and stewards ordered he trial before his next start.
Brisbane's Gerald Ryan has always had a very high opinion of Danbird (Greg Childs) liking the colt to his sire Danehill.
"He even sounds like him when he walks, he has this particular step when he's on the concrete which reminds me of Danehill." said Ryan
Jockey Damien Oliver has decided he'll jump on David Hall's Fashion Victim saying: "Hasna is the one to beat, but Fashion Victim will give a good account of herself and I know my filly well, having ridden her before."
Sydney trainer John O'Shea is trying to qualify the promising Merhoob after the gelding was a scratching on Saturday after he suffered a bruised heel.
Imperialism, will be ridden by Michael Pelling.
Others likely to line up in the $1M race are:
Regimental Gal; Helter Skelter; Spinning Boy; Sir Success; Dress Code; Danzoir and Express Ball.
By: Jo Adams - Monday, 30 December 2002
Handy Harry
05-01-2003, 03:25
Snippy's second puts MM run in doubt
January 5 2003
Gai Waterhouse faces an anxious wait to discover whether Snippy beats the Magic Millions cut-off after his defeat at Doomben yesterday.
Snippy, the even-money favourite, needed to win to be assured of a start in Saturday's Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast and join high-profile stablemates Hasna, Imperialism, How Funny and L'Espalier.
The gelding collected $4800 for finishing second, beaten a short neck by Express Ball in the Reward Insurance We Insure Plumbers Handicap (1200m).
Snippy's prizemoney now stands at $14,800, which makes him a fringe candidate at best to scrape into the Magic Millions line-up when final acceptances are taken on Tuesday.
Randwick winners Charmview and Merhoob further complicated matters by leapfrogging Snippy into the Millions field by earning more prizemoney yesterday.
Jockey Mike Pelling said Snippy did not have the necessary speed to overcome his awkward barrier draw.
"The winner drew the rails while we were out in barrier eight and if you swap the alleys over it would be a different result," Pelling said. "He just didn't have the dash out of the barriers to be able to lead on his own."
Snippy travelled outside Steel Cap before establishing a break at the top of the straight only to be overhauled by Express Ball in the final stages.
Express Ball will give Toowoomba trainer Ron Maund, who paid $37,500 for the gelding, his first Magic Millions runner.
"I was hoping he didn't have too hard a run today, but that doesn't look like being the case," Maund said. "He had to be a real racehorse to get home."
Express Ball's jockey, Stathi Katsidis, said: "He has to draw an inside alley to be a realistic chance. I'm hoping they go hard up front and I can bring him with one short sharp run at the finish."
A bad week for Sunshine Coast trainer Ray McCall became worse when Steel Cap finished a tiring 11th after leading to the home turn.
McCall was dealt a major blow when he discovered promising three-year-old Top Echelon would be out of action for at least 12 months after injuring his off-fore tendon. McCall had been planning to take Top Echelon to Melbourne for the Australian Guineas.
Handy Harry
06-01-2003, 06:29
Hurley's markets for the 2YO Magic Millions
Bill Hurley's latest markets for the Magic Millions races are:
$1m Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Classic (1200m) Horse To win
Hasna 1.85
How Funny 5.50
Merhoob 9.00
Danbird 11.00
Helter Skelter 14.00
Fashion Victim 15.00
Imperialism 16.00
Regimental Gal 16.00
Charmview 17.00
Spinning Boy 17.00
Danzoir 21.00
Express Ball 21.00
L'espalier 21.00
Seconds To Spare 21.00
Dress Code 26.00
Snippy 26.00
Sir Success 34.00
Cambooya 67.00
Kas Nediym 67.00
Markane 67.00
Rosarino 67.00
Champagne Gold 81.00
The barrier draw will be all-important with leading Gold Coast bookmaker Lloyd Merlehan saying if Gai Waterhouse's filly Hasna, draws in she'll start in the red but if she draws out he'll be putting her up in the black.
"If she happens to draw wide then we (bookies) might chance our arm a little, but she's still probably got the speed to cross them."
Handy Harry
06-01-2003, 09:13
The Ron Maund trained Express Ball (G2 Success Express-Belle Of The Ball) was already ensured of a start in next Saturday’s Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 2YO Classic 1200m but may have denied another starter for Gai Waterhouse with his win at Doomben yesterday.
Express Ball ridden by Stathi Katsidis finished strongly to reel in the Waterhouse trained Snippy (Michael Pelling) and win by a short neck in the Reward Insurance “We Insure Plumbers” 2YO Handicap with Annie La Vie (Scott Seamer) running on for third another 2 ½ lengths away.
Maund paid $37,500 for Express Ball at last years Magic Millions yearling sale and the gelding will give Maund his first runner in the Magic Millions Classic. Katsidis considers that Express Ball will need to draw well for next Saturday’s race to have a realistic chance against his main rivals.
Snippy has made a great effort to qualify but with prizemoney of just $13,800 after yesterday’s race the gelding is just out of the top 16 prizemoney earners and his connections will have an anxious wait to see if any of the higher qualified horses drop out of the race in the next few days.
Snippy was out to qualify for the Magic Millions last Saturday at Rosehill but a delay in the start saw the son of inaugural Magic Millions winner Snippets rear and put his front hoof over the barriers which resulted in him being scratched on veterinary advice along with an order by stewards to pass a barrier trial test before being allowed to race again.
With no Sydney trials scheduled until Friday, Waterhouse sent Snippy by road to Coff’s Harbour where he passed his trial test on Wednesday and then onto Brisbane for yesterday’s race.
Given Snippy’s workload in the last week and his gutsy run yesterday, nobody will be able to question his toughness should he gain a Magic Millions start and join Hasna , How Funny, Imperialism and L’espalier who already are qualified to represent Waterhouse next Saturday.
Snippy was a $150,000 purchase at the 2002 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Handy Harry
06-01-2003, 12:52
http://www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1041566312336_2003/01/05/6race_graphic2,0.gif
Chris Munce, Gai Waterhouse's No 1 jockey, flew to Brisbane last night and will partner three of her four Magic Millions runners in trackwork at Eagle Farm today.
Munce, fresh from a winning treble for the trainer at Randwick on Saturday, is set to add to his frequent-flyer points this week as he prepares to claim a third Magic Millions success at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Along with his Magic Millions ride Hasna, the odds-on favourite, Munce will partner Tommy Smith Slipper winner How Funny and Imperialism at Eagle Farm trackwork. It will be the first of three trips Munce will make to Brisbane this week.
After riding at Randwick tomorrow, Munce will fly to the Gold Coast on Wednesday for more trackwork on Waterhouse's contingent before heading back to Sydney for the Canterbury meeting on Thursday.
While bookmakers have posted Hasna as a dominant $1.90 top elect to give Waterhouse her third victory in the rich Magic Millions (following wins by Assertive Lad and Excellerator), Munce remained wary of the opposition.
"I think it's an open race," he said. "Hasna, on the form around her, is obviously the measuring stick for them all, but I thought Charmview and Merhoob were pretty impressive [winning at Randwick on Saturday]."
The Tony Wildman-trained Charmview and John O'Shea's gelding Merhoob forced their way into the Magic Millions field with strong wins at Randwick.
Charmview defeated the Waterhouse-trained Secret Land, with Munce in the saddle, in a time just outside the class record held by Spinning Hill.
Charmview's Magic Millions chances were further enhanced by Munce rating Secret Land on a par with Hasna as Waterhouse's best two-year-old.
"There is nothing between those two [Hasna and Secret Land], even on the track," Munce said. "Early on, Secret Land probably had the wood on Hasna in their trackwork, but this preparation Hasna has stepped up
another level and there is still not much between them.
"I still think Secret Land has got a lot of ability, while Hasna is probably a little more sensible come raceday. She is more easygoing, whereas Secret Land gets a little bit stirry."
Hasna's laid-back attitude will be a major factor in her quest for success, according to Munce, who won his first Magic Millions as an apprentice aboard Sunblazer in 1989 and his second aboard Excellerator two years ago.
"Since last preparation, Hasna has taken the next step, which they [two-year-olds] have got to do," he said. "She has improved that little bit extra, which makes her pretty foolproof when it comes to a race like the Magic Millions."
Waterhouse will again have the numbers as she chases
another victory in the race. L'Espalier is expected to join stablemates Hasna, How Funny and Imperialism in the field after sneaking into the race via a third behind Merhoob on Saturday.
L'Espalier is likely to be floated up to the Gold Coast this week alongside Magic Millions 3YO Trophy contender, Fiery Venture, which also secured its trip north with a win on Saturday.
Munce is likely to partner Fiery Venture in the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy, a race which the Waterhouse-trained Ha Ha won last year.
The final fields for the Magic Millions two-and three-year-old races will be finalised tomorrow.
Despite the defeat of Secret Land on Saturday, Munce is confident the filly can prove a force in the Inglis Classic at Randwick on January 18.
"I have still got a bit of time for Secret Land, even though she got beat yesterday," he said. "She had a big weight, an awkward barrier and was resuming from a break. She only just got beat by a horse that will make sure Hasna doesn't get it all her own way."
By Darren Prendergast
January 7 2003
Brad Pengelly has never ridden in a Magic Millions, while Warwick Farm trainer Tony Wildman came close to winning the rich Gold Coast dash for two-year-olds four years ago.
However, both believe their fortunes may change on the tourist strip on Saturday when they join forces with improving filly Charmview in the $850,000 sprint.
Pengelly rode Charmview to victory at Randwick last Saturday. The win, which confirmed Charmview a place in the Magic Millions field, came a week after Wildman had considered sending the daughter of Royal Academy for a spell.
Pengelly, who at times during his career has battled to maintain his riding weight, is delighted Charmview is heading north and assured Wildman on Sunday he will make the 53.5 kilograms required to ride the filly.
"The weight will be fine," said Pengelly. "I rode at 54kg on Saturday and two weeks ago I rode at 53kg in the Villiers, so it won't be a problem. Besides, opportunities to ride a horse with the quality of Charmview in a rich race like the Magic Millions don't come along very often so you have to take them ... put in the hard work and hope everything pans out in your favour."
Pengelly was having his second ride on Charmview last Saturday and has been impressed by the filly's improvement with each run. He is confident the two-year-old can make her presence felt on Saturday.
"She is definitely worth a crack at the race," Pengelly said.
Wildman is no stranger to the Magic Millions having saddled up three runners in recent years including 1999 runner-up Sally Magic. The filly, owned by advertising guru John Singleton, proved no match for the subsequent five-time group1 winner Testa Rossa.
Wildman is adamant Charmview is his best chance of winning the Gold Coast feature.
"All of my other Magic Millions runners in the past were different types to this filly, but as a future prospect she is the best of them," Wildman said on Saturday.
As is the case in any feature two-year-old race, today's barrier draw will provide a crucial guide to the Magic Millions. Pengelly, who rides at Randwick today, knows the importance of a good draw.
"Barriers play a big part in races like the Magic Millions," he said. "With my horse she can take up a position and hopefully keep herself out of trouble."
Chris Munce put Magic Millions favourite Hasna through her paces at Eagle Farm yesterday in a gallop alongside stablemate and fellow Millions contender Imperialism.
"She certainly has improved since her Sydney win and she did need the hit out. She looked as though she had done very well since coming to Brisbane," Munce said.
Trainer Pat Duff confirmed Dan Nikolic will partner his speedy three-year-old Star Of Florida in the Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
With regular rider Patrick Payne unable to make the 54kg Star Of Florida will carry in the Rubiton, Duff moved quickly to secure the services of Nikolic.
The John O'Shea trained Merhoob, earned enough prize-money today to warrant a trip up to the Gold Coast for the $1M Magic Millions race next week.
"He'll leave tomorrow night," said an obviously relieved O'Shea.
Merhoob didn't only win today, he won really well and proved he'll be a force to be reckoned with up in Queensland.
Ridden by Darren Beadman today, Merhoob will have Hugh Bowman on board at the Gold Coast as Beadman will probably still be in Sydney partnering Bob Thomsen's Thorn Park.
Merhoob won by a convincing half length to In Top Swing (Danny Beasley) with L'Espalier (Chris Munce) a further half length away third. They ran 57.81 for the 1000m, the final 600m in 34.23
O'Shea said of the Magic Millions race: "They'll really be flying in that, and I expect him to be able to take a sit behind. If he can draw a gate he's got a great chance"
http://www.racenet.com.au/breeding/news_images/lespalier2.jpg Joe Adams photo
Gai Waterhouse's L'Espalier, who finished third, will also join his stable-mates at the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions race.
The Gai Waterhouse trained Secret Land, has galloped in impressive fashion this morning at Randwick.
The filly, all set for the Inglis Classic on January 18, was clocked at 34.3 for her final 600m, and a sizzling 11.1 for the final furlong.
Secret Land who ran second behind Charmview last Saturday has the nod of approval from jockey Chris Munce, who said after Saturday's race; "I wasn't disappointed in the run at all, she ran like that first up last prep and look what she did after that."
Last preparation Secret Land ran seventh behind Spurcent in her first run and then nine days later went out and won over 1000m at Randwick in 58.9.
Gai Waterhouse's Snippy has taken the long road to the $1M 2YO Magic Millions Classic but he's finally in.
He was in danger of missing out all together when having to barrier trial after being scratched at the barrier in Sydney and Waterhouse sent him to Coffs Harbour to trial.
He then ran at Doomben in a last ditch effort to qualify him.
He failed to win, running second,but did earn enough to place as first emergency.
Now with the scratching of Fashion Victim today, Snippy will start on Saturday with in-form jockey Scott Galloway aboard.
Snippy, who will start from barrier one, will be coming right into contention as far as the bookies are concerned.
Bill Hurley's Sportsbook has Snippy this morning at $11.00 the win.
By: Jo Adams - Thursday, 9 January 2003
Brisbane stewards have this morning informed that David Hall's Fashion Victim is a scratching from the $1M Magic Millions Classic on Saturday. Reid Sanders said this morning:
"We had Veterinarian Phillip Jeffries inspect the filly this morning and she was found to be shin sore in the near fore-leg. She was that bad she was lame. The trainer was on hand as well and was very co-operative and he immediatley scratched her from the race."
Fashion Victim was to have been ridden by Glen Colless and was top qualifier on $78,000 in prize-money.
MAGIC MILLIONS FORMGUIDE by racenet (http://www.racenet.com.au/breeding/form/goldcoast_1_11_2003_7.asp)
These tips and views are from VISCOUNT ( thank you Viscount!)
From: Viscount Sent: 11/01/2003 12:45 AM
Here's how I see them-
Express Ball- Looks a good horse, form around some of the best 2yos in Melbourne(Ra Sun, Pinchbeck and Fashion Victim) then lost to Helter Skelter and beat Snippy. Having his sixth start so certainly tough enough. Has the ability to figure but poorly drawn.
Imperialism- Only a handy type who doesn't look to have the class. Got flogged by Dorky(poor ride) and beaten by Danbird. Form doesn't look strong enough especially with bad draw.
Merhoob- Talented horse who's got better with every run. Hit the line hard last time and should appreciate the 1200m. Should be thereabouts at the business end from good draw.
Danbird- Form not overly strong but is well drawn and could figure if the pace is on. Still does a bit wrong and wants a strong pace.
Helter Skelter- Definite dark horse, has accounted for smart horses at both starts beating Get Carter and Express Ball. Drawn well enough and looks capable.
Spinning Boy- Talented horse who's been caught wide a few times but has finally drawn a good barrier. Shown plenty of fight and looks suited by the distance. Hard to beat.
Dress Code- Showed good form in the Spring including a fourth at the Valley behind Pinchbeck, Ra Sun and Express Ball. Then won a strong race before fighting hard under big weight behind Safety who he beat the start before. Well drawn and an outside chance.
L'Espelier- Milk drinker who's run third at all four starts, running for the third Saturday in a row. Form is in good races but but doesn't look like he wants to win. Definite for multiples as he's a great place chance despite awkward draw.
Danzoir- Looks a handy type who finished third in the Dress Code race at the Valley(beat Safety) then was lucky to beat Happy Strike. Well drawn but looks up against it.
Hasna- Best juvenile seen so far this season, last win under 60kgs was great and before that bolted in by more than six lengths. Drawn wide but still the one to beat.
How Funny- Talented filly who looks a good prospect, lucky to beat Dorky last time so will have to improve. Drawn wide and looks a chance but I think she could struggle.
Regimental Gal- Nice filly drawn well, form around Dorky doesn't look strong enough. Can figure but will need a cushy run or to improve.
Charmview- Showed sharp improvement for a strong win last Saturday, poorly drawn and looks out of it.
Nibbler- Doesn't look anywhere near good enough.
Kas Nediym- Strong debut before struggling against the stronger class horses. Drawn wide and looks no hope.
Snippy- Talented type who's had a hard time getting here but has drawn the rails. Will be in it for a long way but could struggle over the final stages.
Selections- I'm going for Spinning Boy from his great draw with Hasna hardest to beat, Merhoob third and Helter Skelter fourth.
By Darren Prendergast on the Gold Coast
January 12 2003
The Sun-Herald
Toowoomba trainer Shaun Dwyer struggled to hold back tears after his filly Regimental Gal upstaged a million-dollar colt and the all-conquering Gai Waterhouse stable to win the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast yesterday.
With his beaming smile and watering eyes shaded by a wide-brimmed hat under grey skies, Dwyer soaked in the biggest win of his training career - a career that began four years ago after stints as a foreman with master trainer Bart Cummings and Waterhouse in Sydney.
"It makes all the early mornings and long hours worthwhile... days like this," Dwyer said, overcome by the emotion of the occasion.
Champion Queensland apprentice Michael Rodd made use of his local knowledge - he is based on the Gold Coast with trainer Bryan Guy - when producing a bold frontrunning ride aboard Regimental Gal to steal victory from more fancied rivals.
"We didn't intend to lead," Dwyer admitted. "I thought she'd sit about third, but Michael's a good jockey. He's got a cool head and great hands. It was a great ride and gutsy effort by the filly."
While failing to win her third Magic Millions Classic, despite having five runners in the race, Waterhouse was pleased Dwyer was the man to hold off her classy filly How Funny, which dead-heated for second with the Gerald Ryan-trained colt Danbird. Danbird cost $1.1million at the Magic Millions sales last year, while How Funny went under the hammer for $90,000. Regimental Gal cost connections just $16,500.
"If I couldn't win it, and we came very close, I'm delighted to see Shaun win the race," Waterhouse said.
"He has done a great job since taking out his own licence. I also know it's an exciting race to win. No doubt Shaun is excited and he deserves to be."
Although he has held a licence since the age of 21 when he worked with his father, Dwyer said he looked upon training horses as a hobby more than a full-time job.
"Training horses isn't an easy job," he said. "It's a lot of hard work."
In just four years, Dwyer has built up his team of horses to around 40 at his north Queensland training base.
Regimental Gal, which started at $14, was sent straight to the front by Rodd - who last year claimed his first group1 success in the Brisbane Cup - and was never headed.
"It's a testament to Shaun how the filly was able to keep fighting all the way from in front and hang on and win," Rodd said. "I couldn't believe they [rivals] left me alone in front so far out with my filly going so easily. You never get the lead as cheaply as that in a big race, but they obviously underestimated my filly."
Rodd is undefeated in three rides on Regimental Gal, which Dwyer confirmed will miss the Golden Slipper and be aimed towards the Melbourne spring carnival.
"She will go out for a break and maybe come back for a short campaign in the winter," he said. "But her ultimate aim will be the Caulfield Guineas in the spring."
Waterhouse offered no excuses for Hasna's seventh placing yesterday after being sent out a solid $2.20 favourite.
"She just didn't ping today," Waterhouse said.
While saying Hasna, How Funny ($12) and Imperialism (13th) would be freshened up before embarking on an autumn campaign aimed towards the Golden Slipper, Waterhouse said Snippy (sixth) and L'Espalier (16th) would head for the spelling paddock.
Ryan said Danbird ($7) was unlikely to target the Golden Slipper, the trainer admitting the classy colt will be suited over the longer journeys of the group1 AJC Sires' Produce (1400m) and Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick during the autumn.
vBulletin v3.6.2, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.