The Heinrich family’s dream of going back to back BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic next month was given a tremendous boost when quality filly Military Grace won the $100,000 listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1000m) at Eagle Farm today.

Last year it was Military Grace’s stablemate Military Rose who was the toast of racing when she won Queensland’s richest race – the $2 million Classic.

Now trainer Gillian Heinrich and her husband Hoss are eyeing off another win in the big race.

Military Grace was sent out the odds on favourite on the strength of her first run – when second in stakes company behind fellow Magic Millions graduate Spectrolite at Flemington.

In today’s race the filly sat off the speed before coming with a powerful run in the straight where she dashed to the front.

The $1.70 chance then held out fellow Magic Millions graduates Midnight Minx ($6) and Flying Jet ($4.60). The margins were a long neck and two lengths.

“It’s nice to win this race two years in a row with a filly by the same sire (General Nediym),” Heinrich told AAP.

“She’s a good filly and Michael Rodd still says had he not gone too soon she would have won that day she ran second at Flemington in the spring.”

“Mentally and physically she’s very similar to Military Rose.”

The Heinrichs purchased Military Grace from the draft of Baramul Stud for $100,000 at January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

She will now run in the BJ McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm on December 26 prior to the BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

“I don’t think she’s a 1000 metre horse and she’ll go a lot better over 1200 metres,” Heinrich summed up.

Military Grace by former Magic Millions Classic winner General Nediym is the first named foal for the Belong to Me mare Searchlights.

Unraced, Searchlights is a half sister to the Blue Diamond Preview winner and Blue Diamond Stakes placegetter World Peace.

Both Searchlights and World Peace were produced by the triple group winning Rory’s Jester mare Light Up the World.

Winner: Military Grace (General Nediym-Searchlights)
Race: BRC Calaway Gal Stakes LR (1000m)
Sold for: $100,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Buyer: Heinrich Bloodstock
Earnings: $82,000
Owner(s): Heinrich Bloodstock
Trainer: Gillian Heinrich (Gold Coast)

PICS – Dan Costello.