Champion trainer Chris Waller trained his first $2million Magic Millions Classic 1200m winner.
But with a colt named SHAQUERO (Shalaa-Fimatino).
It should have been with his filly SHE’S ALL CLASS (I Am Invincible-Shirra Nui) who was beaten by the barrier and bad check when she turned for home.
She did run 3rd and her run has Gr 1 Golden Slipper written all over it.
The previously unbeaten ALPINE EDGE (Better Than Ready-Freezethemillions) split the Waller pair.
But when you have Hughie Bowman riding a horse who has drawn the fence and was given the perfect run in the race before dashing well clear at the 300m mark, it was always going to be a tough ask running him down.
“What a great turn of foot. He’s such a classy type,” said stable rep Paul Shear.
The part-owner, a very excited David Devine, complete with Covid mask on, emotionally stated, “We have been trying to win this race for years and today is just amazing.
“I don’t know whether to go and buy up agin tonight at the Sales or go and have a party. probably a party.”
Shaquero’s p[revuious and in fact only win, was on debut in the Breeders’ Plate at Randwick where he dominated a la his effort here and stamped himself the premier juvenile in the land.
But an inglorious run first up followed by a much better 2nd placing last week in the main lead-up race tarnished his reputation a bit.
“He’s a very athletic colt and he wants to run,” reasoned Devine. “He just raced too fresh first up and knocked up then a bit fitter last week he ran boldly last start.
“They put a tongue tie on and after his 2nd run his fitness just improved so much. He came here as a supremely fit horse.”
as for his starry-eyed stablemate, She’s All Class, her backers were left lamenting what might have been.
She did draw gate 18 and jockey James McDonald snagged her back to the rear and wide. He had no luck what so ever.
But he started his move, six wide from the 600m and living up to her name she circled the field trying to get right into the fray, but a check as she straightened up cost her momentum.
To power home so brilliantly out wide at just her 2nd race start to grab 3rd speaks volume for her talent.
Shaquero cost $160,000 as a yearling. He has now won $1.1million and as a stallion prospect would be worth about $4million.
Runner-up Alpine Edge is very honest and just kept coming all the way down the straight. He has had three runs now for a pair of wins and a second. He too cost $160,000, is still a colt and has won just over $500,000.
As for She’s All Class, a $200,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase she has earned $325,000 thus far.
