Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have taken out the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with the race favourite Storm Boy +150, who was given a great ride by Adam Hyernonimus out in front.
Although the son of Justify didn't jump well from the barriers, Hyeronimus gave him a dig in the ribs to push forward and settle outside the leader, Mishani Ego +25000, with the two leading the field into the home straight.
The second and third favourites in the betting, Highness +340 and Arabian Summer +450, settled behind the speed and received the best runs in the race; however, they bumped going around the home bend and ultimately cost themselves any winning chance.
Nevertheless, Storm Boy and Hyeronimus were off with the prize with 200m to go, as the colt kicked clear and won eased down by 2.5-lengths on the line.
After the interference, Highness ran on strong to finish second, while the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained gallopers, Spywire +800 and Erno's Cube +1000, ran into third and fourth.
2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Replay – Storm Boy | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark
Gai Waterhouse picked up her fifth win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic since the turn of the century, but this is Adrian Bott's first for his career, training in partnership with Waterhouse.
“It was an impressive performance once again, he's gone from strength to strength and really put it together today,” Bott said post-race.
“Today he paraded beautifully, showed a great attitude and he was strong late to put them away.
“He looks a three-year-old already… he's that much of a mature horse and I think that's the upside with him.
“Scary to think if he can continue to improve into that three-year-old profile, he's going to be a top class prospect for us.
“He (Storm Boy) has a big autumn campaign ahead, as you said a Golden Slipper first and foremost.”
Adam Hyeronimus gave the winner a great ride and he picked up his first Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner of his career.
“I can, I can (believe it) because the horse is loaded with ability,” Hyeronimus said of Strom Boy.
“He raced in the B.J. McLachlan, and he won it well, so I can believe it.
“He has such a beautiful attitude and that's what takes these two-year-old, especially the colts, to another level.
“It was a terrible start, but the way they have made the track now, I wasn't too bother because I was always going to end up outside the leader.
“I'm very, very happy to get a Magic Millions winner for Gai and Adrian.
“I think its probably the biggest win and ride of my career being on an unbeaten colt in such a prestigious race.”
Storm Boy is now the outright favourite at $5 with online bookmakers in the Golden Slipper futures market.