Trainer Lee Curtis says talented filly Bauhinia evokes memories of former star Private Steer ahead of 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at Gold Coast

Explosive filly Bauhinia’s “unbelievable” ability evokes memories of former star Private Steer for trainer Lee Curtis.

Explosive filly Bauhinia’s “unbelievable” ability evokes memories of former star Private Steer for trainer Lee Curtis.

The Rosehill conditioner put the polish on Private Steer in the early phases of her career before she went on to scale Group 1 heights on three occasions.

While Bauhinia is yet to race at the top level, she gets her chance to put her name up in lights in Saturday’s $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast.

It’s a race in which Private Steer finished 10th 22 years ago when it was previously known as the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Curtis, who trains with his wife Cherie, can’t help but see similarities between the pair’s abilities.

“Horses like that you are not out to burn the clock every day,” Curtis said.

“Quite often you are not seeing them run ridiculous times and you take them to the races and you might have a bit of doubt in your mind but then they just turn it on and do unbelievable things.

“That’s where the comparison comes in because Private Steer was quite like that.

“In the barn you didn’t notice her too much and then on race day they just do incredible things.”

Private Steer won her maiden by more than 10 lengths on debut at Kembla Grange and was a Listed winner for Curtis before transferring to John O’Shea.

She went on to win three Group 1s in the Stradbroke Handicap, Doncaster Mile and All Aged Stakes.

• ‘We could have raced today’: Repaired Gold Coast track gets tick for Magic Millions

Bauhinia has already showed off her boundless potential in four starts, most notably with an eye popping last start victory in the Magic Millions Wyong 3YO&4YO (1200m) at Wyong last month.

The daughter of Hellbent was back last in the run before rocketing home to score in a track record time of 1:07.67 seconds.

“There is no way most horses could win from that position,” Curtis said.

“I think it was aided a little by a ridiculous tempo but still, it was crazy.”

Bauhinia arrived on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning and hasn’t missed a beat since her terrific last start success.

“I galloped her on Saturday with Jeff Penza riding her and I said I want a good gallop but don’t break the clock and it was pretty close to breaking the clock,” Curtis said.

“He came down the track with a lapful and she ran unbelievable time.

“She pulled up at the E-track data was super so we couldn’t have her any better.”

It's Bauhinia down the outside with a big win in the Magic Millions Wyong Stakes for @TommyBerry21 and @CurtisRacing! 🙌@WyongRaceClub | @mmsnippetspic.twitter.com/f2jDkVK8Bn

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 11, 2024

• Magic Millions record: Insurance tycoon splurges $2.8m on Snitzel colt

While most stables would have walked away from Tuesday’s barrier draw feeling dismayed after pulling barrier 20, it wasn’t the case for the Curtis yard.

They know jockey Tommy Berry will be going back regardless and expect Bauhinia’s class to shine late.

“The barrier means nothing for her,” Curtis said.

“You want her coming to the outside and the only barrier we didn’t want was barrier one.

“I know she went on the drift but I don’t get it.

“If she was going to take up any tactical position, then I would be worried. She is what she is and we are relying on her X-factor.”

Bauhinia is a $9.50 contender in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.

Originally published as Trainer Lee Curtis says talented filly Bauhinia evokes memories of former star Private Steer ahead of 2024 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at Gold Coast