Captain Sonador showed he was on track for the $400,000 R.M.Williams Magic Millions Cup with a brilliant first up win in the Listed Goldmarket Handicap (1300m) at the Gold Coast on Monday.

Winning rider Glen Boss, who also teamed up with the promising Queenslander to win last year’s G1 Epsom Handicap, said he was looking forward to the Magic Millions.  “It was a good win,” Boss beamed.  “It wasn’t explosive – but it was a good, workmanlike win.”

Boss said the Shamardal stallion was going to win a long way out.  “I rode him a bit too close – and he’ll be better suited ridden further back and you’ll see that next time.  He’s a nice horse and I’ve liked him for a long time.”

Boss won last year’s Magic Millions Cup aboard the Falvelon galloper Walking or Dancing.

Captain Sonador (4h Shamardal – Pushing Daisies by Kenny’s Best Pal) is trained by highly regarded Toowoomba horseman Roger Milne from the private property of owner Gregg Wagner.  He was purchased for just $30,000 from the 2008 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He has now earned almost $700,000.

A son of leading Darley shuttler Shamardal, Captain Sonador is one of two runners and two winners produced by the Adelaide winner Pushing Daisies who is a half sister to the former outstanding racemare Umaline.