Gibbo unpacks what we learned from Eagle Farm on Saturday looking towards the upcoming Magic Millions Carnival. If you’re looking to build a bank across the two big weeks on the Gold Coast, there were some meaningful signals – particularly among the mares.
BJ McLachlan Stakes – juveniles starting to sort themselves out
The feature was the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes, traditionally a strong guide to the 2YO Classic on January 17. The market made it a match race between Tornado Valley (odds-on) and Zip Lock ($3.30), and in the end it largely played out that way.
Things didn’t go right for Tornado Valley. He covered ground, never really got into a rhythm, and you could tell early in the straight he was going to struggle to reel in Zip Lock, who had already gone for home with that long, efficient stride. The 1.55-length margin was decisive enough, and Zip Lock has firmed into third favourite for the big one in January.
I’m not jumping ship on Tornado Valley just yet. He profiles as a colt with improvement to come and he’s housed in the best “grand final” stable in the country. If you like him, patience may yet be rewarded.
As for Zip Lock, I’ve had time for him since his first trial. He has a lovely sense of timing and does a lot right. Is he good enough to win a Magic Millions? Jury’s still out, but he’s clearly earned his seat at the table.
Mares to follow – where the money might be made
Miss Joelene
She is absolutely airborne. Coming off a Listed win over 1600m, this was always going to be on the sharp side for her, but she was still set up beautifully. She got a long way back, conceded the favourite and eventual winner a huge start at the turn, and then absolutely let down through her gears. Narrowly beaten in a photo, it was a run full of merit.
All roads point to the The Wave (1800m WFA) on January 10 – a race she won last year. From there, there’s no reason she can’t back up into the 2200m feature on January 17, where she ran a close third twelve months ago. She maps as a genuine two-week carnival play.
Scripted
She was two-from-two early in her career and looked a star in the making before a few niggles forced time off. What we’ve seen this prep suggests she’s come back every bit as good. The fresh run was excellent, and this was just as strong again.
She did it the hard way too – posted three-wide, facing the breeze, never really getting the cover she deserved. For her to still find the line as strongly as she did was a big tick. There’s a suitable race for her on January 10 over 1300m (Rising Stars for 3YOs and 4YOs, Class 4). If she draws even half-decently, they are going to have their work cut out holding her off late.
Bottom line: Miss Joelene and Scripted look like the types who can keep you interested – and hopefully in front – right through the Magic Millions carnival.
