Apprentice Logan Bates hopes he may be Gold Coast bound for the Magic Millions Carnival after the win of Gin A Tonic at Caulfield Heath.
Gin A Tonic took out the Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic (1200m) on Saturday to complete a winning hat-trick with Bates in the saddle.
Bates is unbeaten on the sprinter having scored at Moonee Valley and Cranbourne ahead of Saturday’s success.
A $3.80 chance in betting, Gin A Tonic scored an easy three-length victory from Steel Move ($5.50) with the $151 rank outsider Volatile a length away third.
Gin A Tonic’s win brought up a double for Bates after his win on Angland in the MRC Foundation Summer Of Racing Handicap (1600m).
Bates said Gin A Tonic’s win on Saturday was better than his previous wins at The Valley and Cranbourne.
“The query was going up to the 1200 (metres) but when he didn’t get that much pressure early, I was able to rate him,” Bates said.
“He’s a very bold mover and off the corner, I had to wake him up a little bit as he wobbled off, but I balanced him up, he switched legs and once I gave him a reminder, he was good.
“I was able to have a look at the big screen and what he was able to do that to that sort of field, it was a good feeling.
“It’s great for the Laming crew. They’ve got a quality sprinter on their hands.”
Bates said he had not spoken to trainer Bevan Laming, or son Richard, about plans for Gin A Tonic, but he cannot see why the sprinter should not head to the Gold Coast next month.
“I’m sure it’s in their thoughts but I haven’t spoken to Richie yet,” Bates said.
“He’s big, he’s strong, he can make his own luck and when he puts them to bed like that, he’s a smart horse.
“He burns around the rail and I’m only a passenger.
“He does the rest and I’m happy to be associated with him.”
