Gold Coast three-year-old Biggles burst into Magic Millions Guineas contention after claiming the Listed Gold Edition Plate on protest at Eagle Farm.
The Desleigh Forster-trained Easy Running ($5.50) was first past the post with a length margin to spare over Biggles ($6) but lost the race in the stewards’ room.
Biggles’ rider, apprentice Timothy Bell, fired in an objection alleging Easy Running shifted in two horses at the 150 metres mark.
“I had established clear running and was into a run when Damian Browne on Easy Running shifted in two horses,” Bell said.
“I had to check and it cost me between two and two and a half lengths.
“I’m adamant the interference cost me the race.”
Stewards took little time to uphold the objection and relegate Easy Running to second.
Biggles’ trainer Noel Doyle believes his three-year-old, who also won at Eagle Farm at his previous start earlier this month, is on target for the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 14.
“It was an enormous run and I was always confident he’d get the protest decision,” Doyle said.
“He’ll have one more run in the Vo Rogue then go on to the Magic Millions.
“He’s a very good horse and I think there’s a real big race in him somewhere.”
Biggles is nicknamed Tiger around Doyle’s Gold Coast stables after champion golfer Tiger Woods.
“He’s called Tiger Woods because his dam is Be Faithful,” Doyle, referring to the champion golfer’s marital indiscretions, said.
Biggles was a $160,000 buy at the Magic Millions sales and Doyle isn’t afraid of any of his rivals in the Magic Millions Guineas.
Doyle considered sending Biggles across the border for next Thursday’s $100,000 Magic Millions race at Wyong before deciding to stay at home.
Forster hopes to seek revenge with Easy Running when her three-year-old clashes again with Biggles in the Group Three Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) at Doomben in two weeks.
“He’s a nice little horse who had to cover some extra ground today,” Forster said.
“Once he got to the outside I said to his owners he’d win.
“Unfortunately we lost on protest in the stewards’ room and I accept it. We’ll get our chance next time.”
AAP TURF
