As owner of auction company Magic Millions, Gerry Harvey has catalogued every winner of the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (RL, 1400m) since Paradiddle claimed the first edition in 2001.
Harvey is overdue to win one for himself and trainer Toby Edmonds reckons his Star Turn filly Me Me Lagarde might be good enough to make the breakthrough at the Gold Coast on January 15.
Me Me Lagarde was resuming off a six-month spell at Doomben on Saturday and she sustained a 600m sprint to win the QTIS 3YO Hcp (1200m). “There’s plenty left in the tank because there’s a long way to go before the Magic Millions Guineas,” Edmonds declared. “Robbie (Fradd) had to expose her early because the leaders had it easy so all credit to her for coming with that great finish first-up.
“I’m looking forward to getting her out to 1400m. She’s a pleasure to train and I have to thank Gerry for sending us such a lovely filly.”
Me Me Lagarde is a Harvey homebred after failing to reach a $75,000 reserve as part of the Baramul Stud consignment to the 2020 Gold Coast Magic Millions. Her dam Roedean (Flying Spur) was a Group 1 winner of the 2003 Blue Diamond Stakes but was controversially disqualified after a returning an irregular swab.
“She’s a beautiful filly. Always has been,” Fradd confirmed. “She was all over the place winning her maiden first-up at Ipswich last prep. I knew she was good then. She’s matured and has the right attitude. She can quicken and there’s lots more to come, for sure.”
Star Turn flagbearer Miss Hipstar is also being set for the $2million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. She annexed the Dalrello Stakes LR at this year’s winter carnival and warmed up with a winning barrier trial at Eagle Farm last month.
The Vinery sire’s Group 1 Flight Stakes placegetter Startantes isn’t eligible for the Magic Millions Carnival but trainer Robert Heathcote has a long-term plan in mind. “I want to get her ready for next year’s winter carnival so she will have a decent spell over the summer,” he said. “I think she might make a good lightweight hope in the Stradbroke Hcp!”
Star Turn’s NZ filly La Bella Beals was ultra-impressive overcoming difficulties to win the Peter Baker Glass Hcp (1400m) at Awapuni on Friday. Stewards reported she was crowded and lost ground shortly after the start. Jockey Danielle Johnson was held up in traffic approaching the 500m but the race was as good as over once she shifted out to obtain clear running
La Bella Beals accelerated to score by more than two lengths running away. She was coming off a similar win in maiden company at Tauranga last month. Bred in Victoria by Ed McNulty, she was sent to New Zealand after being purchased by trainer Stephen Marsh for $70,000 at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
“She’s gone from strength to strength and we will target some black-type,” Marsh reported on Monday morning. “I actually thought she would have won races before now but the penny didn’t drop until Tauranga. Danielle said she was probably travelling too well last Friday and caught the heels of one in front. But she powered home and has come through the race extra well.”
La Bella Beals (3f Star Turn – Miss Beals by Savabeel) will race next in the Trevor Eagle Memorial Stakes (LR, 1500m) at Te Aroha on Saturday week, November 27.
Vinery stands Star Turn for $16,500 (inc GST) with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
ME ME LAGARDE