Diminutive filly Lucy Mae could have taken the first step towards a rich feature race double after posting an upset victory in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra on Saturday.
Trainer Ted Martinovich said the Stratum filly, ridden by Shaun McGruddy, could be set for the Group 2 $500,000 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot on April 1.
“Before the race I said she wouldn’t run in the Karrakatta Plate because she is so light, but I might have to change my mind,” Martinovich said.
“Originally our plans win lose or draw was to tip her out, but I don’t know now and will have to talk it over with the owners.”
Lucy Mae stepped out for her debut appearance at Belmont Park last October and ran fifth to Achernar Star over 1000m.
She then finished runner up to Driftwood Girl when resuming at Ascot in January, but despite the improvement she escaped the attention of punters and sent out a $27.80 chance.
“I was hoping she would run a good race, but I wasn’t confident,” Martinovich said.
“There is just nothing of her, she is just really light, but she fought on great and I’m really happy.”
Lucy Mae, who cost $80,000, gave McGruddy his third victory in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic after previous wins on The River (2016) and Wolfe Dreams (2009).
McGruddy, who sent Lucy Mae forward from barrier five to sit outside of the leader before holding out favourite Achernar Star and scoring by a short-neck, said the win came as a pleasant surprise.
“To be honest I never felt or travelled like the winner,” McGruddy said.
“To my surprise she kept digging in the straight and although the second horse got close she wasn’t going to let him past her.”
Meanwhile Enchanted Dream signalled she was a filly with a big future after completing a winning hat trick in the Woodford Reserve Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m).
“She needed a bit of luck in the run, but she found for me and gave a kick when it mattered most,” said jockey, Jarrad Noske.
Noske won his third Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy after guiding Let It Slip (2016) and Express Service (2013).
Trainer Ben Pearce joined his brother, Dan, who prepared Let It Slip and Testamezzo (2014).
julio santarelli