The prestigious Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast is being eyed as the primary objective for Exo Velocity, a talented filly trained by Chris Waller, following her commanding debut victory in the Kirkham Plate at Randwick.
Despite having only completed a single barrier trial leading up to the race, the Zoustar filly demonstrated remarkable courage and ability, navigating a tight inside passage to surge ahead and secure a victory by a clear length over her stablemate, Tour De Force ($7).
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy expertly guided Exo Velocity ($13), squeezing through a narrow gap near the 200-metre mark past the leader Heli Jinglong. McEvoy commented on the filly’s bravery in taking such a confined run during her very first race.
“The run was open, but I was still a few lengths off it,” McEvoy said. “I was as quiet as a church mouse, I didn’t let that horse know I was coming, so I was hoping it was going to stay open for me. She’s got talent, no doubt. You always take note when one of Chris’ come out and win like that first-up because you know they’re not screwed down to anywhere near their bottom.”
Exo Velocity, a $650,000 purchase at the Magic Millions yearling sale, has the January carnival firmly in her sights, according to Waller’s assistant trainer, Darren Beadman, who was impressed by her performance in the Kirkham Plate (1000m).
“Being a Magic Millions filly, Chris can back off her and get her ready for the Magic Millions,” Beadman said. “It’s there to target for her. Lovely demeanour, both two-year-olds, and the colt, in four months’ time, he’s just going to be a really furnished type. They’ve both got great attitudes.”
Tour De Force, a $1.35 million acquisition from the Inglis Easter sale, also impressed Beadman with his run, despite encountering traffic issues at the top of the straight.
“The colt, if he gets out at the right time, he probably runs a little bit closer, if not wins,” he said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better debut from both runners.”
The $2.10 favourite, Royal Accord, struggled to make an impact and finished seventh.
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