Trainer Jason McLachlan believes the most amazing thing about Dieters’ Doomben win was the starting price.
McLachlan can start thinking about winning a second Magic Millions Classic, after Dieters, a $9 to $7 firmer, came away in the straight to beat Heart Skipt A Beat ($5.50) by 1-1/4 lengths in the Hamilton Hotel Handicap (1110m) on Saturday.
Dieters
The well-backed Just Orm ($3.50) was a half-head back in third place.
McLachlan said Dieters’ Magic Millions campaign had gone to plan because he was able to give him 21 days off after his first-up win at Doomben in early October.
“When he won we knew he was virtually in the Magic Millions field so I said to syndicate head Rob Slade we would be able to give him a proper break and then come back for the big race without rushing him,” McLachlan said.
He said the only worry had been the wraps on several rivals.
“When I saw what price they had bet about him I had to go and check he still had four legs after the trip down from the Sunshine Coast,” McLachlan said.
“I know there were wraps on a few but he was a good winner in town at his only start.
McLachlan was co-trainer with his late father Brice McLachlan when they won the 2009 Magic Millions Classic-Golden Slipper double with Phelan Ready.
“Dieters is a different type of horse to Phelan Ready as he can get out and run whereas Phelan Ready liked to settle and run home,” McLachlan said.
Toowoomba filly Greyt Start was backed from $5.50 to $3.40 favourite but was trapped three deep from her wide barrier and faded to finish sixth.
