Zoustar gelding Ice Kool confirmed his ability with an impressive Randwick victory on Saturday, prompting trainer David Pfieffer to set his sights on the Gold Coast and the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight slot race on January 10.
A deal was struck this week with prominent owner Max Whitby to secure a place in the rich feature, with Ice Kool’s latest performance proving pivotal.
“Coming into last Saturday, it was only a Saturday race but the pressure was there to get the job done to make himself selectable in this race,” Pfieffer told Racenet.
“He took on older horses that were more experienced than him there and he’ll have a similar scenario in the Sunlight, but I think two weeks between runs will help him, rather than three-and-a-half.”
Pfieffer said the gelding had thrived since the win.
“He pulled up well, trotted up good and ate well over the weekend. He’s bright, well within himself and we’re ready to go for the 10th.
“I’m going to keep it uncomplicated before then and try to have his last gallop here with Jason (Collett) aboard rather than go up too early.”
Collett, who partnered Ice Kool to his maiden victory, has been booked for the Gold Coast assignment. The current market has Queensland colt Grafterburners, last-start winner of the Listed BRC Gold Edition Plate, as the favourite.
Ice Kool was passed in when offered through the Widden draft at the Magic Millions sales and now races for a large ownership group headed by Strong Bloodstock.
He has earned $164,250 from his first two starts and is the second winner out of stakes-winning Showcasing (GB) mare So Far Sokool, herself a daughter of Group 3 winner Sokool.
