![Kerrin McEvoy guides Exo Velocity to a debut victory in the Kirkham Plate at Randwick, with the Chris Waller-trained filly now likely to target the Magic Millions Classic. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2382123.jpg)
The Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast is the likely target for the Chris Waller -trained Exo Velocity after she posted an impressive debut win in the Kirkham Plate at Randwick.
Coming off just one barrier trial, the Zoustar filly showed she had the courage to match her class, squeezing through a skinny inside run to surge to the front and score by a long neck over stablemate Tour De Force ($7).
Winning jockey Kerrin Mcevoy almost had to breathe in as Exo Velocity ($13) snuck up inside leader Heli Jinglong at the 200m, and he said the filly showed bravery to take such a narrow split at her first start.
“The run was open, but I was still a few lengths off it,” McEvoy said.
“I was as quiet as a church mouse, I didn’t let that horse know I was coming, so I was hoping it was going to stay open for me.
“She’s got talent, no doubt. You always take note when one of Chris’ come out and win like that first-up because you know they’re not screwed down to anywhere near their bottom.”
Exo Velocity slips through the inside and takes off in the Kirkham Plate! And it’s a @cwallerracing quinella! 💪
@KPMcEvoy @aus_turf_club https://t.co/TLp3AutFMQ
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 24, 2026
Exo Velocity was a $650,000 Magic Millions yearling and Waller’s assistant trainer, Darren Beadman, said the January carnival was an obvious aim for the youngster after her performance in Saturday’s Kirkham Plate (1000m).
“Being a Magic Millions filly, Chris can back off her and get her ready for the Magic Millions,” Beadman said.
“It’s there to target for her.
“Lovely demeanour, both two-year-olds, and the colt, in four months’ time, he’s just going to be a really furnished type. They’ve both got great attitudes.”
Tour De Force was a $1.35 million purchase from the Inglis Easter sale and Beadman was just as thrilled with his effort after he was held up for a run at the top of the straight.
“The colt, if he gets out at the right time, he probably runs a little bit closer, if not wins,” he said.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better debut from both runners.”
Royal Accord started a $2.10 favourite but was one of the first horses beaten, tiring to finish seventh.
