Leave it to Gai Waterhouse to have the final word.
Waterhouse won the Magic Millions Cup with rejuvenated gelding Spurtonic who relegated Strawberry Boy, owned by John Singleton, to the runner-up stall.
Spurtonic
An impromptu kiss and a cuddle between Waterhouse and Singleton at the Magic Millions sales during the week finally thawed the cold war between the pair since the More Joyous saga erupted nearly two years ago.
When reminded she had defeated Singleton, Waterhouse responded cryptically: “He (Singleton) won’t be second next year. He’s joined up with the lady trainer.”
Spurtonic ($12) won his first race since the David Jones Cup at Caulfield in October, 2013 when he scored by a head from the favourite Strawberry Boy ($4) with The Bowler ($6.50) a similar margin away third.
Waterhouse has given the gelding a series of barrier trials since he finished fifth at Rosehill in October.
“I’ve waited and waited until I had him right and it’s only been in the last week that he’s come into his own,” she said.
“When he walked around the enclosure before the race today I knew I had him right.
“Since he’s been up here he’s just been shooting the breeze and he’s really loved being at Nudgee Beach.”
Waterhouse wouldn’t be drawn on future plans for Spurtonic but the Sydney autumn carnival looms as a logical goal.
“We’ll just celebrate this win then let the dust settle before I work out a program for him in the autumn,” she said.
Jockey Hugh Bowman said Spurtonic settled further back than expected but was impressed with the gelding’s determination in the straight.
Waterhouse was also delighted with the effort of Driefontein to finish a close fourth.
