Gold Pearl assignment key to Stroll’s Magic Millions hopes
Matt Hoysted is hoping undefeated filly, Stroll, can continue her winning ways in Saturday’s Aquis Gold Pearl (1100m) at the Gold Coast and book a spot in next Saturday’s $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Hoysted, who trains in partnership with Steve O’Dea, told Horse Betting that while the filly is no certainty to start in the race, he is confident she will be “more than competitive” should she take her place.
The filly by Snitzel was a brilliant winner on debut at the Sunshine Coast over 1100m on December 27, looping the field to win by three quarters of a length, kicking off her racing career in style.
“We haven’t had to do a hell of a lot with her,” Hoysted said.
“She had a lead up gallop on Tuesday morning and she worked super.
“She seems to have come through it really well.”
The $450,000 yearling is set to line up in race four at the Gold Coast on Saturday, where she will jump from barrier seven under Baylee Nothdurft.
With just $13,400 prizemoney in the bank, Stroll will need to either win, or rely on natural attrition and run second to gain a spot in the January 15 feature for two year olds, but Hoysted says they are still uncertain on their plans.
“We won’t make a direct call until possibly tomorrow (Friday) to really lock her in to run,” he said.
“She’s a filly that we’ve got a hell of a lot of time for – she’s still very new, very raw still, so she’s always given us an indication that she’s only going to be better in time and probably be more of a finished product in six months, with a little bit more experience as well.
“We’re not going to get too far ahead of ourselves, by really wanting to get her to the Magic Millions; if she was to show any signs that she’s sort of had enough, we’re more than happy to pull up stumps and tip her out.
“But as long as we’re happy with her over the next 48 hours, she’ll take her place on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be more than competitive.”
Stroll is currently a $19 chance with Sportsbet in Saturday’s Gold Pearl, while online betting sites have her as short as $17 for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
The stable were set to have Palazzo Spirit lining up MM 2YO Classic, but the Spirit Of Boom colt has “had enough” after his last start disappointment.
Despite sitting third in the Order Of Entry for the race with $139,525 in the bank, Hoysted, on the advice of jockey Baylee Nothdurft, said Palazzo Spirit was out of petrol this campaign, which saw him chalk up two victories, including the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes at Eagle Farm.
“He’s in the paddock,” Hoysted said.
“Obviously he was pretty disappointing there last start.
“We’ve been really happy with him in the lead up to it all, but Baylee just felt from the 700m onwards, he sort of had no horse underneath him.
“He’s done a great job in virtually his first racing preparation; after he won on debut, he only went for a little freshen up prior to coming back in.
“So he’s never really had a spell from back then when he was up in the early trials.
“He’s done a great job, but unfortunately – it’s obviously quite disappointing when you’re guaranteed of a run in the Millions – but obviously the horse comes first.”
Hoysted is confident Palazzo Spirit will improve with a good spell under his belt, with some of the Brisbane Winter Carnival two-year-old feature races within reach.