In a week when the Magic Millions stocks of Tulloch Lodge will undergo a serious test, Royal EntranceĀ has put his hand up as another potential candidate for the $2 million Classic with a determined debut victory at Warwick Farm.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian BottĀ have their top seed Platinum Jubilee resuming at Randwick on Saturday when she will clash with Breeders’ Plate winner Empire Of Japan.
It is a much-anticipated showdown given the pair sit at the top of markets for next month’s Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Royal Entrance could join Platinum Jubilee on the road north following his gritty victory in the Dundeel At Arrowfield Handicap (1000m) on Wednesday, although he would need to bank some additional prizemoney or rely on a high attrition rate to work his way into the field.
“(Managing owner) Henry Field is here today to see the colt and witness the win,” Bott said.
“That was what we wanted to be able to see to give us that option.
“There is a path there for him so we will see how we come through it. I’m sure Henry would like to have another nice colt up there for the syndicate.”
A $425,000 sales purchase, the son of SnitzelĀ controlled the speed under Regan BaylissĀ and his desire to win was put to the test when Denman StarĀ launched a serious challenge and momentarily appeared to head Royal Entrance ($6).
But the Tulloch Lodge colt refused to lay down, kicking back to beat Denman Star ($5) with Los PadresĀ ($8.50) a close third.
Royal Entrance made the most of an inside draw while stablemate Just GlamorousĀ ($3.80 fav) went back from a wide gate and despite closing strongly, she was unable to run down the placegetters, finishing on their heels in fourth.
“(We thought) having the inside and the fence to follow would help him a lot because as you saw today he is still a little bit raw, a little bit new,” Bott said.
“He took a bit of urging from Regan but he was able to get the best out of him and great effort from the colt to continually pick himself up and keep fighting.
“She (Just Glamorous) had to go back and was asked to do a little bit.
“She lost no admirers the way she found the line and a really nice filly to go forward with.”
The Magic Millions Classic (1200m) is at the Gold Coast on January 14.
