The scene is set for Victoria’s most unique race after a pair of important jump outs at Ballarat yesterday.
Twelve juveniles contested two 800 metre heats, running in the clockwise direction in preparation for a $200,000 feature event on Sunday week.
The youngsters and their connections are eyeing off the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic – the state’s only clockwise event set to be run for just the second time.
The first heat was a competively contested division with only a few lengths covering all seven runners at the finish of the heat.
The Matthew Williams trained Shortspresso hit the finishing line locked together with the fast finishing Ronn’s Moss, trained by Henry Dwyer.
Shortspresso, a Commands colt, was purchased by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock and McKeever Bloodstock for $170,000 from the Bowness Stud draft at January’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Meanwhile, Ronn’s Moss, a half brother to Singapore star Mr Big, was a $50,000 buy at the same sale for Dwyer from the Robyn Wise as agent draft.
In the second heat the Shane Nichols trained I Am The General found the line strongly to beat the Bruce Elkington and Jamie Edwards trained Tejano’s Tale.
I Am The General, a member of the first crop of I Am Invincible, was purchased by Nichols for $35,000 from the Yarraman Park in January.
Runner-up Tejano’s Tale was purchased by his co-trainers for $60,000 at the same auction from the draft of Rosemont Stud.
Following yesterday’s Clockwise jump outs at Ballarat, the start of the Magic Millions Race Series for the 2013/2014 racing season is fast approaching. Trainers and owners are reminded of the below important upcoming nomination deadlines.
Magic Millions Race Series – Important Nomination Deadlines
Ballarat, Victoria: Sunday 24 November 2013
$200,000 Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Clockwise Classic (1000m)
$100,000 Magic Millions Ballarat 3YO Classic (1100m)
Entries close Tuesday 19 November (12pm, AEDT)
Wyong, NSW: Thursday 19 December 2013
$200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1100m) – Restricted Listed
$100,000 Magic Millions Wyong 3YO Stakes (1200m)
Entries close Friday 13 December (11am AEDT)
Gold Coast, Queensland: Saturday 11 January 2014
$2,000,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) – Restricted Listed PLUS $500,000 Racing Women’s Bonus
$1,000,000 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) – Restricted Listed
First entries (free nomination) close Friday 6 December (1pm AEDT / 12 noon QLD Time)
Late entries close Thursday 2 January 2014 (12 noon AEDT / 11am QLD time)
Late entry fee of $275 (inc GST) applies per entry
$400,000 Magic Millions Cup (1400m) – Restricted Listed
$200,000 Magic Millions Open Sprint (1100m)
$200,000 Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m)
$200,000 Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Hcp (1300m)
$100,000 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1200m)
$100,000 Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m)
First entries (free nomination) close Thursday 2 January 2014 (12 noon AEDT / 11am QLD time)
Late entries close Monday 6 January, 2014 (10am AEDT / 9am QLD time)
Late entry fee of $275 (inc GST) applies per entry
Entries and acceptances for all races must be lodged with the RISA Service Centre (tel 1800 138 704).
For Race Series eligibility enquiries please contact Magic Millions on 07 5504 1220 or email[email protected]