Gold Coast connections react to barrier draw for $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic

The Magic Millions reality has come to fruition for some Gold Coast horse owners while for others it is still a pipe dream.

Brothers Andrew (left) and Luke Henderson at the Magic Millions 2YO Classic barrier draw. They are part-owners of emergency Terminology. Picture Mike Batterham

GARY MCPHERSON

Part-owner of Jonker

GARY Mcpherson can’t believe the run of luck he is having.

He says he feels blessed after pulling out gate three at yesterday’s barrier draw for the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

“We couldn’t ask for anything better,” the Paradise Waters resident said. “It’s the way we wanted it to go so we are very lucky — very fortunate. We will just see what happens now.”

Third emergency Spirit’s Pride drew barrier one, all but gifting Jonker a start from gate two.

Jonker was already one of the favourites to win but now he has an advantage at the start over rivals Sunlight (barrier 15) and Ef Troop (18), who will need luck on their side if they are to beat the colt.

Mcpherson (pictured) said he was more confident but insisted the race hadn’t been won yet.

“We are all trying. It’s up to (jockey Hugh Bowman) now,” Mcpherson said.

Gary Mcpherson couldn’t be happier after drawing alley three for Jonker. Picture: Mike Batterham

ANGELA PLUMB

Trainer of Sugar Sizzle

Gold Coast trainer Angela Plumb says Sugar Sizzle wouldn’t just make up the numbers if she were to get a start in the 2YO Classic, a race that could change her life.

Sugar Sizzle, an emergency, is long odds to get a run in the race — the filly would need four horses to be scratched from the field of 16 to feature in Saturday’s main event.

But it hasn’t dampened the spirits of Plumb. “I’m just really excited to be here. I got the horse last year in September and my two main goals were to win a race with her and qualify her for the Magic Millions and I’ve done both,” she said.

“It would be fantastic if there were a few scratchings and we got a run on Saturday.”

Plumb watched fellow Gold Coast trainer Toby Edmonds win the 2017 edition of the race with Houtzen.

“It would completely change my life around so it’s really exciting,” said Plumb, daring to dream.

Gold Coast trainer Angela Plumb drew barrier 16 for emergency Sugar Sizzle. Picture: Mike Batterham

ANDREW & LUKE HENDERSON

Part-owners Terminology

Gold Coast brothers Andrew and Luke would love to see Terminology run in the 2YO Classic but believe the filly’s grand final will likely come a fortnight later.

Terminology is the second emergency for Saturday’s race where she has drawn barrier 14.

Luke, a Gold Coast Turf Club board member who operates a Mermaid Beach real estate agency with Andrew, said Terminology could win the 2YO Classic QTIS Added Stakes Plate (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast on January 27.

Victory would earn $80,000 in prizemoney for the Gai Waterhouse/ Adrian Bott-trained filly.

“That would be ideal for her. She is the best horse out of the emergencies, so without seeing the field for it, I’d be surprised if she wouldn’t be favourite for a race like that,” Henderson said.

“You get a win on the board and get some more money in the bank.”

Brothers Andrew (left) and Luke Henderson at the Magic Millions 2YO Classic barrier draw. They are part-owners of emergency Terminology. Picture Mike Batterham