LISTEN NOW

Search

Eneeza headlines first National Classic

By Brad Bishop

Thursday 23 May 2024, 2:36PM

$1m purse lures Golden Slipper winner’s conqueror.

ENEEZA winning the Tab Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick in Australia.
ENEEZA winning the Tab Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick in Australia. Picture: Steve Hart

The inaugural Magic Millions National 2YO Classic will not be run where it was initially planned, but that has not detracted from the field the $1 million event has attracted.

Saturday's 1050-metre event at Doomben is restricted to graduates of the Magic Millions sales series features a field of 12, plus five emergencies, headlined by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman -trained filly Eneeza.

A $1.1m Gold Coast yearling, Eneeza is a three-time Stakes winner who defeated Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot at her most recent start in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) and contested both the Golden Slipper and Blue Diamond.

Spywire and Arabian Summer, the third and fifth placegetters from January's $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m), are also engaged in what Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch said was a great platform for the new race.

"These are horses that may not necessarily have come to the Winter Carnival, so to have those horses here for what is huge prizemoney race, and really complementing what the Winter Carnival already provides, is fantastic," Bowditch said.

"I think, year on year, this race can go from strength to strength."

The Magic Millions National 2YO Classic was initially scheduled to be run under light at the Gold Coast this Friday but was added to the Doomben card after the Gold Coast was deemed unfit for racing.

Bowditch said having to wait an extra 12 months for the inaugural Gold Coast edition only adds to the anticipation and is excited about seeing the race launch the 2025 National Sale.

"It's a great race for the BRC to be able to add to their strong card on Saturday and we look forward to working with Racing Queensland and the Gold Coast Turf Club for years to come to get it down to the Gold Coast and have it under lights."

Eneeza, who will be ridden by Damian Lane, is the $2.50 favourite for the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic from the Ciaron Maher-trained Spywire and Peter and Paul Snowden's I Am Invincible colt Embassy.