Bubbly owners rejoice
CHAMPAGNE Jet was named after the drink and the liquid was flowing as the filly’s female owners celebrated a win that could have sealed their place in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
The majority of the 19 owners, 15 of whom are from the Gold Coast, were trackside on Saturday to watch the $21 chance win the QTIS TwoYears-Old Handicap (1000m) for trainer Toby Edmonds and pocket the $42,700 prize.
Based on this year’s field, the win would be enough to qualify Champagne Jet into the 2YO Classic, to be held on January 12 on the Gold Coast.
Whiskey Shooter was the final horse to qualify for the 2018 Magic Millions race with $21,970 in prizemoney.
Elise Cincotta, a co-owner and wife of 2K Thoroughbreds founder Sterling Cincotta, who found the horse for the women, said the group celebrated with some Champagne as they look towards a bigger payday, that would include a $500,000 women’s bonus, in January.
“We had a few Champagnes, it was a good afternoon,” Cincotta said. “It was unbelievable to watch. We expected her to do well but we certainly didn’t expect to win.
“It was great to give some of the girls the feeling of cheering her on home.
“Based on last year that will get us qualified into the (2YO Classic). Now she has got to keep moving forward, tick a couple more boxes and we should be there.”
Edmonds had the quinella in the race with Betaima, partly owned by the Cincottas, finishing a head behind Champagne Jet, who had the inside running from barrier one.
“It was a good effort by the fillies and a good first day at the races for Champagne Jet,” Edmonds said. “It helped that (Champagne Jet) drew a good barrier because she was able to follow the rail and get off the back of (Betaima). She has a good future.”
Edmonds said he was yet to roll out his best two-year-olds.
“(Champagne Jet) is precocious early and professional, so that will take her along, but whether it’s our best one I wouldn’t say that.”
Edmonds said Champagne Jet could now have a rest.