Trainer Ben Pearce claimed Platinum Shot is racing as well as ever this prep after she opened the Magic Millions meeting at Pinjarra with an all-the-way victory in the Gannon’s Racing Colours Hcp (1400m) on Saturday.

Platinum Shot (5m Shooting To Win – Platinum Power by Commands) was appearing off a seven-day turnaround following a narrow loss to Fancy Red (Sessions) at Ascot and she responded to a hands-and-heels ride by Holly Nottle for a convincing win over the favourite Antique Star (Pierro).

The Yarradale Stud-bred mare was backing up for the first time and was ready to go again after a quiet week at home.  “She pulled up so well and appreciated the small field with 4kg less than last Saturday,” Pearce said.  “She’s a consistent mare and has been in career-best form since we decided to ride her for speed.”

Platinum Shot earned black-type as a spring 2yo when runner-up in the LR Supremacy Stakes (1000m) at Ascot but was sidelined for twelve months following the 2024 Provincial Championship Series Final (1400m) at Belmont.

She is making up for lost time with prizemoney of $273,000 including $24,300 in Westspeed bonuses for a partnership that includes Yarradale owner Lyn Sayers who kept a share after she was sold to Pearce Racing for $55,000 at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions.

“We were unlucky getting beaten on the line last week and she was strong like always today,” Nottle explained.  “There was no pressure from the others and she just loves it out in front and setting the race up for herself.”

Yarradale bred Platinum Shot when her sire Shooting To Win was based at Darley in the Hunter Valley.  He was subsequently purchased to stand at Gidgegannup and there are four colts by him at this year’s Magic Millions Sale on Thursday and Friday.

Among the quartet is the colt from Champagne Bubbles (Scandal Keeper) catalogued as Lot 324.  He is being offered by Alwyn Park Stud and is a half-brother to Grand Reserve (Maschino) who won the Parliamentarians Cup (1600m) at Ascot in December.

Yarradale has catalogued a Lightsaber half-brother to Platinum Shot (Lot 249) at the Perth Magic Millions.  “He’s a ripper and is the best foal their dam Platinum Power has thrown,” Yarradale manager Davy Hanratty said.  “He’s a big beast with a swagger and looks a readymade racehorse.”