Karuta Queen’s owner Glenn Williams is one step closer to capturing a rare Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas in successive years at the Gold Coast this Saturday.

His crack galloper Safusa put the finishing touches on his 3YO Guineas preparation with a slashing trial win at Rosehill on Friday.

With Williams electing to keep Karuta Queen on ice for an autumn campaign, he and partner Viive look to have a handy replacement in the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in Safusa who staked his claim with an all the way win in the Wyong Prelude on December 22.

Safusa was a $45,000 purchase at the 2010 Magic Millions Sale Yearling on the Gold Coast, $15,000 more than what Williams laid out on Karuta Queen whose earnings currently stand at $1.5 million.

“Safusa won his trial on Friday reasonably comfortably and Jay Ford was really happy with him,” Williams said.  “The horse sat third or fourth on the rails then got the run through and won by over a length but Jay said he still had a fair bit up his sleeve.

“He did everything what we required of him so we’re happy with the run.  We thought all along that he was going to be better as a three-year-old which is why we only gave him the two starts then tipped him out.  He’s really coming to the fore now and hopefully he can win this week.”

Magic Millions Managing Director Vin Cox paid tribute to Williams and partner Viire for their astute judgement at the 2010 sale.  “Their effort to buy Karuta Queen was obviously an achievement in itself,” Cox said.  “But to come back with a live chance in the 3YO race the following year is a magnificent effort on their part.

“Glenn and Viive usually shop in and around the $50,000 mark and with some 60% of the catalogue last year selling for less than $100,000, there are plenty of opportunities to secure a good horse at a reasonable rate.”