Millions on Offer Surf-side

Published: 10 Jan 2015

Off to the surf - Sydney galloper Testashadow has made the journey to the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast

In what has already been an exciting week in the sales ring, the Magic Millions show now takes to the track for the Gold Coast's most lucrative race day. 

The sales ring has had a buzz in the air with the unveiling of progeny by new season sires Sepoy and So You Think. A positive result in what is the "middle market" of horse sales is a great indicator for the industry. Foals from  Redoute's Choice, Fastnet Rock, Street Cry and Exceed And Excel made sure that the clearance rates were on the mark.

At the track, today's races include the 2-Year-Old and 3-Year-Old features for purchases from the Magic Millions sales in previous years.

In the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas, local hope Hijack Hussy heads the market and has race experience at the tight Gold Coast track. Plenty of NSW trained horses including Testashadow, Liberty Island, Aerobar and Echo Gal will make it a serious contest - they are all tough types.

The $2 million Magic 2YO Millions Classic is as always an open affair, with the Wyong Magic Millions form line often holding the key. The top four place getters from that race this year, Zoutenant, Surf Seeker, Single Gaze and Perignon are well in the market. They will have to be on their game to beat the local hope Wicked Intent. Jockey Chris Munce will be hoping to deliver a fairytale swansong as the veteran hoop retires today.

As far as punting goes, with so many question marks on how horses will handle the track and their fitness after a long journey, it might be best to lay low. A few dollars on a big-priced roughie is as good as any strategy.