Promising filly Military Bride added another string to trainer Gillian Heinrich’s Magic Millions bow with a decisive win at Eagle Farm.
Aided by a rail runs, Military Bride ($10) powered home over the top of early leader Optionality ($4.60) for a 1-1/4 length win in Saturday’s Hamilton Hotel Handicap (1000m).
Military Bride’s stablemate Read All About Me ($17) was a further 2-1/4 lengths away third.
A daughter of General Nediym, Military Bride joins Pure Whisper as Heinrich’s other qualifier so far for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 14.
“I haven’t give up with All About Me getting into the Magic Millions either,” Heinrich said.
“I thought his run to finish third was quite good.”
Heinrich, who won the 2010 Magic Millions Classic with Military Rose, credited winning jockey Brad Stewart for the filly’s victory.
“Brad suggested after she finished fifth at Doomben in her first run to put blinkers on her,” Heinrich said.
“The blinkers obviously helped a lot.
“I’m very happy she’s in the Magic Millions now and I’m looking forward to the race.”
Heinrich will give Military Bride her next start in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1000m) at Eagle Farm on December 17.
The Group Three B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on December 31 is likely to produce a clash between Military Bride and Pure Whisper ahead of the Magic Millions on January 14.
Pure Whisper will have his next start in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1000m) on the same day as the Calaway Gal.
A son of first season sire Purrealist, Pure Whisper a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Racing To Win.
The youngster stamped himself a genuine Magic Millions contender with an all-the-way win on debut at Doomben on November 5.
AAP TURF
