Topweight proved no barrier for Tony Gollan’s Better Than Ready gelding, who toughed it out to land the $200,000 Listed BRC Magic Millions Falvelon (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday — a win that also secures automatic entry into the $1 million Magic Millions Snippets (1200m) on January 17.
After finishing last as a short-priced favourite in this race 12 months ago, Gollan returned with four runners. His heart was with Hidden Wealth, but he knew the impost could be a hurdle.
100/1 bolter Prince Of Boom spearheaded the pace, with Ryan Maloney tracking the leader aboard Hidden Wealth. When Vodka Martini pressured up front and Peter Snowden’s Fire Star kicked through along the fence, Maloney momentarily lost the rail run but remained poised.
Turning for home, Prince Of Boom began to yield. Fire Star surged inside to loom large, while Maloney angled wider to launch. The question was whether Hidden Wealth would absorb the weight — the answer came quickly as he swept to the lead and, under hands-and-heels riding, put the race to bed to claim a third black-type success.
Fire Star stuck on bravely for second, with former Godolphin sprinter Pereille — now a stablemate of the winner — finding the line for third. Favourite Payline finished fourth.
Hidden Wealth’s record now stands at 11 wins and four placings from 24 starts for $1,749,925 in earnings. He was a $110,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling purchase for Gollan Racing and John Foote Bloodstock from the Kynoch Thoroughbreds draft.