The $250,000 Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic is always one of the highlights of Magic Millions day at Murray Bridge, giving some of South Australia’s most promising juveniles their chance to shine on a big stage.
Last year the race was won by Peter Moody’s talented filly Ole Dancer.
With a mix of raced horses and highly regarded debutants from powerful stables, the 1100-metre contest often produces a future stakes performer. This year’s edition looks no different, with strong Victorian representation and several well-trialled locals adding plenty of intrigue to what shapes as a fascinating juvenile contest.
Experience could prove crucial in a race like this, but Magic Millions 2YO races have a habit of throwing up surprise packets. Several runners arrive off impressive trial performances, while others already bring solid race form against quality opposition.
(Note: Prices below are from bet365 and correct as at 10.15am, 06/03/25)
(1) Rich On Bubbles – $5
A Victorian visitor who is the only runner in this field who boasts a race win in their career. He made his debut through The Flemington Carnival so that suggests the stable thought enough of his talent and The Hayes stable have recently had a strong record with their 2YO runners so with the experience edge he would be no surprise winner in this race.
(2) Vandaross – $23
Made his debut in an early season 2YO race here in SA where he finished more than 10L from the winner. He needs to find a sharp level of improvement to be winning this race from what we saw on debut, but he did win a recent trial which suggests there is some level of improvement he can show.
GET Mitch Lewis’ full preview of Murray Bridge here
(3) Cliff Runner – $7.50
Makes his debut in this race having had a set of solid trials at Flemington recently, he looks a type who will appreciate a big, long straight and comes from a sharp stable, one of the better runners who makes their debut here.
(4) Lalor – $5
A local who has put together a strong set of work at trials including striding out nicely at this track last time. Having a home track advantage could prove a key factor and he maps well from the inside barrier so expecting he will get a soft run and looks ready for a big debut.
WATCH: Lalor win his recent jump-out here at Murray Bridge
(5) Stormforge – $34
Another local debutant, his trials have been more moderate than others in this race, but he did show improvement in a recent hit out. It is hard to be fully confident in his chances here based on what he has showed in those trials.
(6) Churchill Rose – $3.80
Rated highly when making her debut in an early season 2YO race here in SA in one of the stronger rating early seasons 2YO races. She was sent straight to the paddock for a spell and resumes here but to be fair she hasn’t been outstanding in recent trials so hard to have full confidence, if she gets back to her debut form she will around the mark.
WATCH: Churchill Rose run second on debut
(7) Aryna – $21
She spent a long time at the trials before making her debut in a Listed race at Morphettville recently, she finished nearly 8L from the winners in that race and needs to find improvement to be a winning hope but does have the race experience advantage.
(8) Azytass – $7.50
On debut from The Richard & Chantelle Jolly team who have had a good record previously with their runners on debut. She showed improvement in a recent jump out at Morphettville and sets up well from a low barrier, can be competitive on debut.
(9) Diamond Dawn – $17
The Moody & Coleman team produced the winner of this race last year and have Diamond Dawn making her debut today. She has been somewhat moderate in recent trials but looks likely to prefer more ground so the 1100m trip looks suitable. Hard to get too keen about her chances.
(10) Hellfire Jess – $7
Made her debut in a Group 3 race through the Flemington Carnival but did finish some way down the track from the winners. She went straight to the paddock and looks to have found some improvement with 2 strong recent trials, she should prove competitive and has shown good speed to be in an ideal position.
Selections:
(4) Lalor
(6) Churchill Rose
(1) Rich On Bubbles
(10) Hellfire Jess
