Torque To Be Sure’s days as a maiden are over but while his racing style still needs refining, connections were not just relieved for it to happen but also to survive a protest in the rich $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas.
As hot favourite Ninja ($1.55) was closing in on the leader over the dramatic final stages of the 1400-metre and having travelled wide from the outside barrier 17, jockey Tommy Berry was forced to make a run down the centre of the course.
Ben Melham aboard Torque To Be Sure ($13) had a sufficient break while Ninja was making his run but with 150-metres to go, the eventual winner shifted at least four horses off his line and visibly bumping Ninja and forcing Berry to stop riding momentarily.
Stewards noted that in the panel’s opinion Ninja was inconvenienced by about a ½-length and despite Berry and trainer Michael Freedman’s objections, the ¾-length margin was seen as enough to dismiss the protest.
In 11 starts, the Matthew Dunn-trained three-year-old gelded son of Shamus Award had notched five placings before this win which took his prizemoney to $1.9 million.
“I think we had a fair margin,” Dunn said as the protest happenings overshadowed immediate celebrations.
“He’s not an easy horse to ride,” Ben Melham added.
“He went off the track a little but but he was pretty good today. I ended up in a sweet spot and on the back-up really helped me over 1400-metres.
“He was pretty dominant. Not a bad effort for a maidener. The ability was never the issue, but it is good to see him break through in this race today.”
Torque To Be Sure was a $260,000 purchase at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2024.
