Statue Of Liberty youngster Claro el Banco punched his ticket to the Gold Coast after a front-running victory in the $200,000 Magic Millions Clockwise Classic (1000m) at Ballarat.

The only runner with race experience, he showed speed from the gates and set a strong clip in front to win by over a length from Sydney visitor Preferito.  “I’m just so proud of this horse,” trainer Jason Petch beamed.  “He had to be used up to the first corner and never shirked the task.

“I will give him an easy two weeks and then get ready for the Gold Coast Magic Millions.”

Claro el Banco (2g Statue Of Liberty – Magic By Gosh by Magic Albert) earned $155,000 including $35,000 in VOBIS bonuses on Saturday to qualify for the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 9.

The gelding got stage-fright when well-beaten on debut in the LR Maribyrnong Trial Stakes.  “He just got lost at Flemington,” jockey Craig Newitt explained.  “He had trialled brilliantly before and after that race and lived up to that promise today.”

Claro el Banco was bred by Peter McLaren and was purchased as a foal by Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA) for $46,000 at the 2014 Inglis Great Southern Sale.  He then made $80,000 as a yearling for Rosemont Stud at this year’s Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Eliza Park International stallion Statue Of Liberty sired him from Slade Bloodstock winner Magic By Gosh.  The mare foaled a colt by former EPI sire Bushranger last year and she was then bred back to Statue Of Liberty.

CLARO EL BANCO
Photo / Magic Millions