Unbeaten colt STORM BOY is poised to start as the favourite in Saturday’s $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic over 1200m on the Gold Coast, holding firm at $2.50 after drawing barrier 10, which will come into 9 if the emergency fails to get a run.
STORM BOY saluted at Rosehill on debut in early December before overcoming trouble to win the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm just before Christmas. On each occasion, he has won by more than two lengths.
"Gliding down the straight like a pelican!"
The Bott-@tomwaterhouse galloper Storm Boy does it easily in the opener at Rosehill. pic.twitter.com/1rBj8Ukr0f
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 2, 2023
A noted front-runner for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, STORM BOY draws two barriers inside the second-favourite SPYWIRE, another front-runner for the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace yard.
SPYWIRE, to be ridden by James McDonald, remains at $5.50 after winning the Aquis Gold Nugget last week.
Lovely filly Arabian Summer was too good for them in the Gold Pearl today!
Harry Coffey taking the reins for @mcevoymitchell. pic.twitter.com/J4oqsZx1Y5
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 6, 2024
It sets up what appears to be a good tempo on paper, with the Tony and Calvin McEvoy yard hoping it will play into their hands with last week’s Gold Pearl winner ARABIAN SUMMER, who took a sit on that occasion. The filly, at $6.5, draws one stall inside STORM BOY.
Esprit Garcon on the rise
Emerging four-year-old talent ESPRIT GARCON tests his mettle in Saturday’s metropolitan grade for the first time, competing in the $80,000 Ratings 66+ Handicap over 1200m at Ascot, Australia.
ESPRIT GARCON’S record of three wins and two second-place finishes from five starts has garnered a fair degree of attention. However, he arguably delivered his most impressive win to date last time, following victories at Northam and Pinjarra. He scored easily at this track on a Wednesday afternoon, toying with his opposition and winning by more than three lengths in a soft victory, visually never out of second gear.
Connections will gain a better understanding of ESPRIT GARCON’s position in the pecking order this week. One thing is certain: the untapped talent continues to rise to the occasion.
