War Jet completed a long-term plan of trainer Joe Cleary when he recorded an impressive victory in the 2016 Magic Millions Country Cup at the Gold Coast this afternoon.
War Jet was too good for his rivals in the 2016 Magic Millions Country Cup at the Gold Coast this afternoon. Photo by: Steve Hart
The inside of the track was not expected to be the place to be at the Gold Coast this afternoon, but jockey Noel Callow elected to settle War Jet just behind the speed in the early stages of the race before he took advantage of a massive opening on the rail to put paid to his rivals in relatively dominant fashion.
Callow revealed after the race that he did not plan to stick to the rail with War Jet, but he was left with little options and he thrilled with the way that the War Pass gelding took advantage of the clear running.
“He got his leg up in the barrier and they had to back him out and when they did I didn’t have much time to get my gear and I lost my iron when I jumped,” Callow said.
“I was going to be more positive and be on the lead if they didn’t go too hard, but I found myself back behind Robert Thompson, which I was happy with because I thought he was the one to beat.
“It opened up well and the fence was alright – I didn’t want to go there, but I didn’t have any options.
“When he sprinted he sprinted pretty hard.”
War Jet started his racing career under the care of Guy Walter before he joined Team Snowden, but he failed to fire in two starts for the stable and he was transferred to the care of Cleary.
He has since gone on to record five wins for his new trainer and the colourful trainer revealed after the race that he had the Magic Millions Country Cup in mind for War Jet for several months.
“I love him,” Clearly said.
“I spotted this race about four months ago and initially Noel was coming up to ride The Cleaner and when The Cleaner stepped away he still said that he was coming to ride this horse.
“It is always good when a plan comes to fruition.
“I am just a little Aussie battler from Queanbeyan doing my best and now I am here on the big stage.
“I am doing something right.”
The well-backed Three Sheets was far from disgraced and he hit the line strongly to finish second, while Star Wars rounded out the placings.
