Clinton McDonald has feelers out for slot in Magic Millions Sunlight with exciting Cranbourne debut winner Refusetobeenglish

Trainer Clinton McDonald has put a call out to slot-holders of a new Magic Millions race after Refusetobeenglish landed a big plunge in an impressive debut win at Cranbourne.

Refusetobeenglish had little trouble posting a decisive debut win at Cranbourne. Picture: Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.

Trainer Clinton McDonald will keep his phone on for possible calls regarding a $3m race after Refusetobeenglish dominated his rivals on debut at Cranbourne.

Refusetobeenglish fetched $NZ120,000 at a New Zealand ready to run sale last year but recouped more than half that amount with his easy win in the Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix Handicap.

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As a three-year-old, Refusetobeenglish is eligible for the TAB Magic Millions Sunlight on Friday, January 10.

Unlike most Magic Millions races, the Sunlight is not restricted to graduates from the company’s yearling sales but is instead a slot race.

McDonald said Refusetobeenglish could have the quality to measure up to the inaugural running of the rich event after jockey Ben Melham steered him to an easy 3½-length win.

Refusetobeenglish landed a solid betting move, firming to start at $4.20 after opening as long as $8 on Wednesday.

Refusetobeenglish ultra impressive! 👀

Dominant winner in the opener at Cranbourne 💪@[e-mail]/Q3cwSMhJaK

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) November 23, 2024

“We have some good three-year-olds that we’re producing and he’s up there with them. He’s an exciting horse,” McDonald said.

“He’s got all the attributes to be a good horse and hopefully he will get there.

“We could give him a little break now and come back, but there is a little slot race up on the Gold Coast, so a call out to any slot-holders looking for a nice horse.”

Melham, who worked hard to get down to 54.5kg to ride Refusetobeenglish, said the son of Churchill lived up to his trackwork and trials leading up to his debut.

The jockey said a gallop on the Cranbourne course proper on Tuesday morning boosted his confidence in Refusetobeenglish.

“We brought him out here on Tuesday morning and he worked really well against an older horse,” Melham said.

“He had a sweet run, and it was never really in doubt.”

Race favourite Romani Ite Domum ($4.20) led to the home turn but was no match for the winner in the straight while Stormbourg ($21) made ground to grab third after settling at the rear of the small field.

Originally published as Clinton McDonald has feelers out for slot in Magic Millions Sunlight with exciting Cranbourne debut winner Refusetobeenglish