Jennifer Acton’s filly Hi Barbie to run in Magic Millions 2YO Classic
Jennifer Acton’s filly will be racing for much more than just a share of the rich prize purse in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
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Rockhampton and Wilpeena’s Jennifer Acton will be immersed in a cocktail of mixed emotions when her filly Hi Barbie contests the $3M Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
However, for Rockhampton trainer Clinton Taylor, the managing owner of rival Don’tdoubthelady, “excitement” best describes his first runner in the acclaimed race.
That’s something that is nothing new for Jennifer, the widow of Alan so tragically killed in a helicopter crash at their cattle property in April 2023.
The couple’s love affair for racing, particularly the Magic Millions and the Rocky Amateurs, has been well documented.
It’s a legacy that Jennifer is committed to keeping.
For instance, Hi Barbie’s mum Outback Barbie, so named by Jennifer to honour the tireless work ethics and contributions of country women, contested three consecutive January Magic Millions carnivals.
In 2018, Outback Barbie ran third to Sunline in the MM 2YO Classic before third again in the 3YO Classic in 2019.
In alliance with the saying “third time lucky”, Outback Barbie then won the rich QTIS Plate at Magic Millions on January 11, 2020.
Five years later, the Magic Millions race day will again be staged on January 11 so could that be an omen for Hi Barbie?
The Acton’s bred Hi Barbie mating Outback Barbie with glamour stallion I’m Invincible.
Jennifer bought back Hi Barbie (subsequently named by grandson Tommy after the popular doll and movie hit) for $1.2 million as a MM 2024 yearling.
She said at the time: “That’s want Alan would have wanted.”
It’s a belief that her trainer Tony Gollan takes one step further by starting Hi Barbie on Saturday.
A brilliant winner on debut in Brisbane on November 11, Hi Barbie’s chances of contesting the Classic looked forlorn when a shock 13th at her subsequent start on December 21.
The puzzle was solved when determined she had suffered from heart arrhythmia during the race but she has passed exhaustive veterinary examinations and tests since.
“I wouldn’t be starting her if she wasn’t right as the horse comes first but she is very well and ready,” Gollan said.
“I know this is what Alan (Acton) would have wanted and it is going to be a very emotional day for myself and Jennifer.”
Racing is built on dreams and just imagine if Hi Barbie ($14), despite jumping wide out at barrier 12, could win for Jennifer.
Tears of joy would run awash while that conversely in an exhilarating display may occur for MM debutants Taylor and his co-owners of Don’tdoubthelady ($51 and better).
“I can’t believe her price,” Taylor said.
“Her two recent strong placings behind La Bella Boom have been excellent. If she gets some luck from her wide draw I think she will be right in the finish.
“Let’s just say she is not going around to just make up the numbers.”
Both proficient on rain-affected tracks such as in Saturday’s race, ironically the Central Queensland MM candidates will jump from adjoining barriers 12 and 13.
Dreamers would suggest that is not beyond the realms of possibility that Hi Barbie and Don’tdoubthelady could quinella the iconic race.
In horse racing, where “the only certainty is its uncertainty”, time will tell just after 4.05pm on Saturday.
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