Patrick Payne claims Magic Millions Adelaide Classic with smart Zizzis

ASTUTE Victorian horseman Patrick Payne admitted he was hopeful more than confident when two-year-old Zizzis stepped out in Monday’s feature Magic Millions Adelaide Classic at Morphettville.

Jockey Billy Egan riding Zizzis wins the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic at Morphettville. Picture: David Mariuz/AAP

ASTUTE Victorian horseman Patrick Payne admitted he was hopeful more than confident when two-year-old Zizzis stepped out in Monday’s feature Magic Millions Adelaide Classic at Morphettville.

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But the lightly raced Zizzis, a $9 chance, showed professionalism beyond her years with a stout display in the $200,000 feature.

Zizzis (red cap with white star on blue silks) prepares to make her move. Picture: Sarah Reed

Zizzis, a debut winner at Bendigo a fortnight ago, began smartly for jockey Billy Egan to settle among the leaders then kicked strongly in the straight to win by 1½ lengths.

Illuminaire ($14) was second, with the Phillip Stokes-trained Dancer’s Kin ($10) another half-length back in third.

Jockey Billy Egan talks to connections after his winning ride.

The short-priced favourite Nomothaj ($1.95) settled midfield and worked into contention rounding the home turn but struggled to take ground off the leaders in the straight before finishing fifth, beaten just over 2½ lengths.

“I was really happy with her coming into this,” Payne said. “She won well first-up and we thought she’d come on well ... but with these young horses you aren’t really sure.

“She’s an absolute sweetheart to deal with. I think the Sizzling breed have got that in them. They’ve got a demeanour about them. They’re here to please you and here to be racehorses.”

It was Payne's second success in the juvenile feature, a race restricted to horses sold at the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, after snaring the 2015 edition of the race with Atalanta Miss, who was ridden by the trainer’s sister, Melbourne Cup-winning hoop Michelle.

Jockey Billy Egan combines Zizzis to win the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic.

Payne said he was yet to lock in future plans for Zizzis.

“We just wanted to get this race out of the way. We’ll take her home, look after her, then map out things for her,” he said.