Promising filly Snipzu will be given the chance to end trainer Liam Birchley’s Magic Millions drought following her explosive win at Eagle Farm.
Snipzu gave birthday boy Glen Colless an armchair ride before cruising to a seven-length win over Discreet in Saturday’s Qantac Blackwater Handicap (1000m).
Optionality was a long neck away third.
Birchley has tried in vain for many years to win the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast but to date his best result was with Paprika who was runner-up to subsequent Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready in 2009.
Colless, who was celebrating his 44th birthday, had Snipzu travelling in fourth place approaching the home turn and had his opposition covered a long way out.
Birchley now plans to immediately spell Snipzu, who made her debut when runner-up to Hussousa in the Listed Grimcrack Stakes (1000m) at Randwick on October 1.
“It was a pretty painless win in the end,” Birchley said.
“She’s now fully qualified for the Magic Millions next year and it’s a good position to be in.
“She ticks all the boxes and looks a real pro.
“When she comes back into work we can take our time and pick our way to the Magic Millions.”
The $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) will be run in January.
Colless believed Snipzu was unlucky when she went to Sydney for the Gimcrack Stakes.
“She’s a very nice filly and I’ve had a good opinion of her from day one,” Colless said.
“When Liam took her to Sydney she raced a bit green and overaced and did a great job to run second.”
Birchley had no concerns running Snipzu on the heavy track after returning from her trip to Sydney.
“She’s a tough little filly as she showed today,” Birchley said.
“I think she’ll improve a lot again after this run and when she comes back into work next preparation she’ll be a lot stronger.
“You could see in the enclosure before the race the trip away hadn’t done her any harm.”
AAP TURF
