Two-year-old Madeenaty has stamped herself as the filly to beat on the Gold Coast in January with a smart win in the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) this afternoon.
Madeenaty (pictured winning at Flemington) is the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Madeenaty was undoubtedly the class horse of the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic field and was immediately led to the fore of the field by jockey Mark Zahra, after jumping well from a tough barrier.
Setting a reasonable tempo for her rivals, the Exceed And Excel hugged the rails rounding onto the final straight and never appeared in doubt; sustaining to the line well to beat smart debutants Single Bullet and Dinnigan; both of whom hit the line well.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes was on hand for the filly’s return to winning form this afternoon and believes that the run will top her off nicely ahead of the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Guineas (1200m) on January 14th.
“We were always confident,” Hayes said.
“She ran some really quick times at Benalla and we’ve always had an opinion of her and it’s just good to see her do it here today.
“She’s got great gate speed and that’s a good asset for a two-[year-old to have. She’s had to work back across them so it’s good to see her finish up strong.
“We’ve kept her fresh for this race, so she’ll be spot-on for the Gold Coast.”
Zahra was pleased to deliver Lindsay Park another feature race win this afternoon and is confident that she will prove tough to beat on the Gold Coast.
“Wyong, drawing the outside I thought that there was only one option,” Zahra said.
“Especially when you’ve got them going around the other way first time, it’s always good to have the rail.
“We had to use it a bit and I don’t think she really liked the track – she’s got a really big stride and she struggled a little bit, but she was too strong in the end. Didn’t want much further though.
“First start for a little while and having to work a bit, I think she’s done a good job.
“She’s a lovely filly. I have to thank the Hayes’, I picked her early and they let me stay on her.”
Madeenaty is poised to start the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Guineas as a clear race favourite.
