Trainer hits out at 2YO critics
Plenty of depth, says Gai
Racing’s first lady Gai Waterhouse has declared two-yearold racing as strong as ever, saying those knocking the depth of the races should try to win them.
Looking to win her fifth Magic Millions 2YO Classic with hot favourite Storm Boy on Saturday, Waterhouse said there were enough two-yearolds around to justify more racing, not less.
“Try to win the damn races and tell me there’s no depth,” she said.
“I think there are plenty of two-year-olds around.
“There might not be enough two-year-old racing as far as I’m concerned, there are enough horses.
“It’s hard to win these races and there are enough horses around.”
Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott declared Storm Boy a perfect Magic Millions horse, saying he had made all the right moves in his journey to the $3m 2YO Classic on Saturday.
Boasting a two-from-two record, Storm Boy grabbed favouritism for the race last month in taking out the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.
Having stayed in Queensland since then, Waterhouse said Storm Boy deserved his spot atop betting markets as a $2.50 favourite. “He is a very nice colt, a lovely big strong fella,” Waterhouse said.
“He has a lovely head on him and he works well, he is doing everything right.
“I think he is the right horse to win a Magic Millions, we will know by next weekend, but I really do think he is the right horse for this race.
“He has a really good idea of what is going on and he is peaking at the right time.”
Tulloch Lodge was set to have a two-pronged attack on the race, before joint favourite Straight Charge was forced to be scratched last week after coming down with an elevated temperature.
Storm Boy, who will be ridden by comeback jockey Adam Hyeronimus did it the hard way in the BJ McLachlan, however was able to overcome the adversity to win in dominant fashion.
The Justify colt was purchased at the Magic Millions last year for $460,000.