Houtzen gave the locals plenty to cheer about when leading all the way to win Saturday’s $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Houtzen led all the way to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. Photo: Darryl Sherer
The Toby Edmonds-trained filly beat her rivals out from barrier 16 and crossed to lead under Jeff Lloyd after 100m.
First around the home turn, Houtzen ($4 eq.fav) wandered a little under pressure but kept running and held off Chauffeur ($19) to score by half a length with Madeenaty ($9) a further 2 1/4-lengths away third.
Houtzen was racing for just the third time and Edmond said he was mindful of not changing too much of her style of racing.
“When we drew wide, I was in two minds but in the finish I left it up to Jeff,” Edmonds, who trains at the Gold Coast, said.
“When we saw how the track was playing we even thought about taking a sit but when I thought about I said ‘bugger it’ – if we taker her out of her pattern it might not work so lets just let her roll and see what happens.
“I think she’s proved she’s the best filly today, Jeff (Lloyd) was really aggressive, she probably ran through the bridle and got a bit tired at the finish.
“Whatever you say it was a great effort.”
Edmonds said the unbeaten daughter of I Am Invincible would be aimed at the Group I Golden Slipper Stakes in March.
“The Magic Millions for us is everything, it’s our home town and I train at the Gold Coast so it’s very satisfying to win,” Edmonds said.
“The Slipper is next for her, she’ll have a breather after this but that’s where we are headed.”
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