Fighting Sun will not back up in the Magic Millions despite his qualifying debut win at Rosehill with the Golden Slipper foremost in trainer Gai Waterhouse’s mind.
Waterhouse plans to have Echo Gal and Cyclone in next Saturday’s $2 million Gold Coast feature and there had been speculation Fighting Sun would join the pair if he won his first start as predicted.
Fighting Sun - Photo by Steve Hart
But the trainer’s representative Mark Newnham said the Northern Meteor colt’s preparation was aimed at the Slipper on April 5.
“Gai has had him earmarked as a Golden Slipper horse,” Newnham said.
“She would rather keep him here and wait.”
Waterhouse was on her way home from her annual European holiday when Fighting Sun overhauled Group Three Maribyrnong Plate winner Boomwaa to win Saturday’s 1100m two-year-old race.
Fighting Sun was sent out the $2.40 favourite over Victorian visitor Boomwaa who was backed late from $4.40 to $3.50.
After jumping moderately, Boomwaa made his way to the front and held off all but Fighting Sun who went to the line strongly to put three-quarters of a length on his rival.
Kumaon ($4.80) was another half length third.
“He was really relaxed today. He paraded without turning a hair and that’s what you want to see,” Newnham said.
“Gai will pick and choose which races to use for his Slipper preparation.
“She is big on history and likes to study what races have the best records.”
Boomwaa’s trainer Robbie Laing was pleased with his effort ahead of the $250,000 Inglis Classic in two weeks.
“The wraps on Gai’s horse were big,” he said.
“My horse hadn’t had a trial and he missed the kick a bit so all in all it was a good effort.
“He’ll benefit from it and the good thing is the horses which finished around him are ineligible for the Classic.”
Newnham had a busy Saturday, flying back to Rosehill from Queensland after riding the Waterhouse team in the morning including Echo Gal who worked in front of stewards after suffering from thumps in her unplaced run in last week’s B J McLachlan Stakes.
The former favourite for the Magic Millions, Echo Gal currently occupies the first emergency spot with the field to be declared on Monday.
“Echo Gal worked fantastic,” Newnham said.
“(Steward) Alan Reardon was there and he and the vet were happy with her so all going well she runs in the Millions.”
