Short-priced favourite Coolangatta proved her early brilliance again remaining undefeated ahead of an autumn 2022 Golden Slipper bid after a big win for the punters in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast.

Odds-on favourite Coolangatta was impressive winning the $2M Magic Millions 2YO Classic ahead of a Golden Slipper bid in Sydney this autumn. Photo: Steve Hart.

All the money was on the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Written Tycoon filly who had been earmarked for the Magic Millions contest since the team spotted her in the paddock.

“It’s a big relief with such a short-priced favourite,” co-trainer Maher, joined trackside by Eustace in a rarity, told the media after the race.

“Dave and I aren’t usually on a track together, so it’s something special.”

The bonny bay had the perfect record of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic having won Randwick’s Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) on debut last October by three lengths before her two-length Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Boxing Day.

Ridden again by James McDonald, the hot filly was only about fifth out the gates and her hoop produced a masterful ride to get her into third position upon settling as Sneaky Starter led them around in the juveniles’ classic.

McDonald moved into a three-wide position just before the 600m getting out deeper on the track at the right time as the filly began to pull.

“When J Mac went early, he made me a little nervous, but it was great,” Maher admitted.

Once on the straight, she raced to the lead with 300m to travel before a challenge came in the form of Peter & Paul Snowden’s fellow two-time winning filly Russian Conquest.

A daughter of Russian Revolution, Russian Conquest came with a charging run but just couldn’t reel in the favourite eventually crossing second in a brave performance behind the season’s spruik two-year-old.

Coolangatta and Russian Revolution put a space on the others, with the Gary Portelli-trained Snitcat running third to round out the Magic Millions 2YO Classic trifecta.

It was also an all-filly first four with Perfect Mission running fourth.

The Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2022 result also saw McDonald surpass Hugh Bowman, who only one race earlier on the card had equalled J Mac on nine Magic Millions Day wins, to hold the Magic Millions Race Day record of 10 victories.

“It’s a bit overwhelming, but it’s great, great for the whole team,” Eustace said.

“I feel very privileged just to be here.”

The sky looks the limit for Coolangatta who continues to raise the bar with each performance, the team confirming her Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival target as the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 19.

Capitalist (2016) was the last horse to complete the Magic Millions 2YO Classic – Golden Slipper double.

All-in 2022 Golden Slipper betting odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au have Coolangatta on top as the clear early favourite at $4 with full markets available here.

2022 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.