The Tony Gollan-trained Isotope was brilliant first-up returning to winning form off a lengthy let-up to earn a shot in Sydney over the autumn off a strong victory in Saturday’s $1 million Magic Millions Snippets (1200m).

Isotope was brilliant first-up winning the 2022 Magic Millions Snippets at the Gold Coast. Photo: Steve Hart.

It was an atoning performance from the now four-year-old daughter of Deep Field who lost her rider in last year’s $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).

Jockey Ryan Maloney escaped serious injury that day and went on to ride the then filly twice last autumn in Sydney for a Black-Type win and a second to Wild Ruler in the Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m).

The drama wasn’t over however with the filly nearly dying of colic, only to return around 33 weeks after surgery on 2022 Magic Millions Race Day a winner.

“Fresh-up from colic surgery…she did an amazing job,” Gollan told the media post-win.

“She’s so special.”

She looked the goods in a December trial in Doomben and didn’t disappoint, Maloney giving her the gun one-one the outside of Away Game on the speed second throughout.

A mare known to be tardy out the gates, today in the million-dollar race she was quick to kick and got into a lovely stride.

Maloney rode her aggressively to get into the good position the early stages, Isotope and Away Game going stride for stride right onto the straight.

“Once she stepped out the gates…the plan was always to be really aggressive on her,” Gollan said.

With 200m left to travel, Isotope was going better hitting another gear and charging away in the end for an easy victory over the fast-finishing Chris Waller-trained gelding Tycoonist with the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Away Game holding for third to round out the trifecta.

Gollan was thrilled to have Isotope back in winning form and confirmed plans to head south next-up targeting the riches of the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival once more.

“She’s a really, really good mare and we’re just so proud to have her,” he said.

“To have her back here today is a little bit of justice I guess for last year.

“You’ll see her in Sydney in the autumn. I can’t wait to take her away again.”

A potential Grand Final option for Isotope should she continue to race well down south is the Group 1 $2.5 million T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Day 1 of ‘The Championships.

All-in 2022 TJ Smith Stakes odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au currently have the mare at $26 ahead of nominations that close on Tuesday the 8^th of February and are available in full here.

2022 Magic Millions Snippets Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.