A surprise approach helped trigger a change of direction and a major payday for Kelly Schweida and the connections of Grafterburners with success in the Magic Millions Sunlight 3yo Plate.

Running for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-owned slot in the $3 million 1100-metre feature, Grafterburners justified favouritism with a tough win.

Bloodstock agent Bruce Slade secured the colt for the slot, altering earlier plans to target a different race.

“All credit to Bruce,” Schweida said.

“We were going to go to a different option before we got the slot. We were going to go to the Vo Rogue but this will do.”

Ridden by James McDonald, Grafterburners had to thread his way through traffic before charging along the rail.

McDonald labelled the colt ‘outstanding’ after his sixth win from 12 starts.

“He’s eligible for the million-dollar race that El Morzillo won down the Flemington straight but he’s also eligible for a half-million dollar Jewel here for QTIS horses,” Schweida said.

“That is hard to knock back.”

Earlier, Schweida-trained Miss Joelene completed a memorable double with victory in the $500,000 Magic Millions The Wave (1800m).