The reputation of a string of feature Magic Millions races has been recognised by racing officialdom with the confirmation of their black type elevation.
Four races, run in three states, join two others already recognised as restricted listed (RL) events on the Magic Millions calendar.
The races to receive the endorsement are:
- Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic – Wyong, December
- Magic Millions Cup – Gold Coast, January
- Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic – Ascot, February
- Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy – Ascot, February
The new changes will apply to the four feature events during the upcoming season with the first run at Wyong in December.
They join the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas which have held black type RL status for many seasons.
The Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Stakes has quickly established itself as one of the top juvenile races run pre-Christmas in New South Wales.
Used as a lead up to the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, the race’s honour roll includes Snitzel, Karuta Queen and Hoss Amor – while Group One winner Sirmione finished fourth in the race at two.
The Magic Millions Cup, the 1400 metre feature won by stars including General Nediym, Theseo and Spirit of Boom, is now the third race to attract black type on Queensland’s richest race day in January.
The open class race, with a purse of $400,000, attracts a high class field each year and deserves its elevation to restricted listed class.
February’s Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic and 3YO Trophy will also carry black type for the first time next year.
The 2YO Classic has a proud history of unearthing star gallopers with international Group winners and multiple Australian Group One winners emerging from the event.
Winners and placegetters including the likes of Scenic Shot, Night War, Jestatune, Wolfe Dreams and Darlington Abbey have flown the flag with subsequent stakes success.
And with just four editions down so far, the Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy has quickly become one of WA’s great form races.
In 2011 Playing God beat home Luckygray in a wonderful edition of the fledgling race.
