Trainer Les Ross has a reputation for getting the best out of cheap buys and Magic Millions Classic hopeful Holdin’ My Own is another example.
The filly is a daughter of first season sire Spirit Of Boom who already has the two market leaders for the Magic Millions Classic, Jonker and Ef Troop.
Holdin’ My Own will be out to make it two wins in a row in the Aquis Farms Ladies Day Two-Year-Old (900m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Almost all the runners are chasing places in the $2 Million Magic Millions Classic on January 13.
Unless a lot of horses drop out it appears at least $35,000 prize money will be needed to make the Millions field.
Holdin’ My Own has won $21,900 but $12,800 of that is from bonuses which do not count for entry to the Magic Millions.
None of Australia’s bonus schemes – QTIS, VOBIS, BOBS, etc – count towards qualifying prize money for the Millions.
Ross said Saturday’s race was vital for Holdin’ My Own’s chances to make the field.
“She will have to run first or second on Saturday or we are in a bit of trouble,” Ross said.
“But she did a good job last time and she has race experience at the Gold Coast.”
Ross took heart from the time Holdin’ My Own ran when she won over the Gold Coast 900m two weeks ago.
He prepared Frequendly who was one of the favourites for the Magic Millions three years ago.
“Frequendly won a 900 metre race at the Gold Coast in the lead-up the Millions and Holdin’ My Own ran a similar time when she won, ” Ross said.
“I know you can’t compare race times from different days but it gives us some idea and some confidence.”
Ross is convinced Holdin’ My Own should be unbeaten after finishing last as odds-on favourite at her first start in Toowoomba.
“Brad (Stewart) rode her in a small saddle and it pinched her just after the start making her pig root. Just something else that can go wrong,” he said.
Win or lose Holdin’ My Own has been a good buy for Ross.
“I only paid $20,000 for her. I would love to get another Spirit of Boom for that this year,” he said.
