ALPINE EDGE (Better Than Ready-Freezethemillions) for trainers Team Edmunds has caused a bit of a boil over by finishing too well to win the $250,000 BJ McLachlan Stakes, a rather big Magic Millions Classic lead-up race at Eagle Farm.
“He’s the best 2YO I have and his work on Tuesday morning was terrific so we expected a big run,” said Toby Edmunds.
“Actually, he’s the only 2YO we have in work at the moment,” he said with a laugh, “but he has always shown us above average ability since we stepped on him.”
And to come from off the pace, dive through while racing a little greenly, underneath BABY WONG (Press Statement-Spice Temple) to win by half a length drawing away, was a highly commendable effort.
The favourite and 2021 Magic Millions Classic favourite, SHAQUERO (Shalaa-Fimatino) was resuming from a spell here and was an even money chance. But after sitting on the outside of the speed, he just melted when the pressure was applied and finished near the rear.
Baby Wong, who had been beaten half a length by Alpine Edge at his last start, must be sick of the sight of that horse.
He sprinted quickly and dashed to the lead with 200m to go, full of momentum, but the other horse just came home doggedly on his inside.
They put a bit of a space on the others.
SUBTERRANEAN (Rebel Dane-Caves) who is still a maiden, made ground to finish nearly three lengths further back in 3rd.
Alpine Edge has now firmed up dramatically for the big race on the Gold Coast in three weeks.
He has taken his record to two starts for two wins and $225,000 in prizemoney.
He had cost $160,000 at the Magic Millions yearling sale as a yearling.
