Euphoric Summer turns up heat for shot at Magic Millions after Clockwise Classic win

Ben Melham lauded the ­professionalism of Euphoric Summer after the inexperienced filly’s racing manners proved a decisive factor in claiming the Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise ­Classic at Ballarat.

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Ben Melham lauded the ­professionalism of Euphoric Summer after the inexperienced filly’s racing manners proved a decisive factor in claiming the $250,000 Magic Millions 2YO Clockwise ­Classic (1000m) at Ballarat.

The only race decided on Victorian soil right-handed, the sprint is a prelude to the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast in January. Melham said the daughter of Not A Single Doubt’s success on Saturday was largely due to her manners.

“She’s a lovely filly that’s been going well and her professionalism took her a long way today,” Melham said. “She was a little bit tardy out of the barriers but I was able to muster into a position where I felt she was able to control the race.

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Euphoric Summer, left, edged out Rathlin in a tight finish in the 2YO Clockwise Classic at Ballarat. Picture: AAP

“That run under her belt (when runner-up in the Debutant Stakes at Caulfield on October 9) gave her a solid base of fitness which helped her at the finish.”

Euphoric Summer raced outside leader Soul Obsession before withstanding runner-up Rathlin’s closing charge.

Euphoric Summer wins the @mmsnippets Clockwise Classic! @BallTurfClub @MickPriceRacing @BMelham pic.twitter.com/kZNOty99R9

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 23, 2019

Amish Boy powered home for third ahead of the weakening Soul Obsession.

This year’s edition of the Clockwise Classic was the eighth to be decided at ­Ballarat.

The most successful winner is Despatch, who followed Ballarat victory with a Magic Millions third. He has since advanced to six more wins, crowned by Group 1 success in the Goodwood Handicap.

Zahra’s big double

Mark Zahra drew the curtains on a phenomenal spring with a departing double on Titan Blinders and Kaplumpich.

Zahra will fly out to Bali on Sunday before travelling to the Maldives and Hong Kong, feeding his incessant wanderlust.

Capping a spring highlighted by Cape Of Good Hope’s Caulfield Stakes and Super Seth’s Caulfield Guineas triumphs, Zahra has notched 10 winners from his past 42 mounts.

Some of his other black type winners recently were Southern France, Azuro and Fascino.

Mark Zahra ended his spring carnival with a double at Ballarat, including Kaplumpich. Picture: AAP

Dancer off to Gold Coast

Shane Nichols will target Gold Coast riches with Tahitian Dancer after her dominant win in the Haymarket Mares Stakes.

Boosting her prizemoney to more than $230,000 after receiving an excellent ride from Teodore Nugent, the $80,000 Magic Millions purchase will return to Queensland to chase black type and a huge payday.

Nichols said the four-year-old would contest a Listed race in Brisbane before Christmas before tackling the $1 million Fillies and Mares event at the Gold Coast on January 11.

Creedence eyes cup

The Adelaide Cup is on Creedence’s agenda after his Global Turf Handicap (2600m) success.

Ridden patiently by Craig Williams, the gelding was rewarded for his spring consistency which includes a Pakenham win and three minor placings.

Creedence held off talented Defibrillate and El Don in a driving finish.

“That will give him a lot of confidence for targets they (Lindsay Park) have for next year,” Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams said.

Creedence could target the Adelaide Cup neat year. Picture: Getty Images

Thomas responds

Dwayne Dunn credited the barnstorming win of William Thomas to trainer John Price’s decision to remove ear muffs from the gelding.

“Good move by John Price,” Dunn said winning the Hertz Ballarat Tonks Plate. “He was a lot more solid throughout the run. He’s a very good horse.

“He’s got to get it all right. Sometimes he’s his own worst enemy. Today we came out on top.

“It’s great to get a winner. I’ve been knocking on the door all day.”

Hurricane burst

Hawker Hurricane, like Kiwia, ended a 12-month losing streak with victory in the $150,000 Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic (1100m).

The gelding won last year's $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic (1000m) for two-year-olds but has been winless since. Placed on four occasions since his only previous success, Hawker Hurricane gave Jordan Childs a painless steer.

“He's been knocking on the door and I think he deserved the win today,” Childs said. “He was able to relax outside the leader and gave a good kick, I was very happy with how he hit the line.”

Last years 2YO Clockwise Classic winner Hawker Hurricane takes out the @mmsnippets 3&4YO Classic!@BallymoreStabls @JChilds47 pic.twitter.com/4vNB1BNOHM

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 23, 2019

Stewards’ room

Billy Egan – 14-meeting ban and $2000 fine for excessive whip use in the Ballarat Cup.

Teo Nugent – eight-meeting ban for careless riding.

Fred Kersley junior – eight-meeting ban for careless riding.

Quotes of the day

“I think he was more impressive last year but it's a tougher race (this year) and the extra prizemoney has meant there are better quality horses around so all credit to him." John Allen after Kiwia became the first horse since Warri Symbol in 1982-83 to win successive Ballarat Cups.

“Point him, press the button and away he went,” Kerrin McEvoy after winning on Godolphin juvenile Destination at Kembla Grange.

Originally published as Euphoric Summer turns up heat for shot at Magic Millions after Clockwise Classic win