Michael Costa
PERFECT Mission has put herself on the precipice of a Magic Millions 2YO Classic berth despite a luckless start to her racing career, but the filly will need all that to change in the final audition for the $2 million race.
The two-year-old filly could become the first of Michael Costa’s booming Gold Coast stable to earn a spot in the January 15 race when she lines up in the Aquis Gold Pearl Two-years-old Fillies (1100m) on Saturday.
Costa bought the progeny for just $26,000 at the March QTIS sales and the bargain buy has proved an exceptional purchase, rising to sit 15th in the prizemoney standings for the Classic.
Perfect Mission will line up against a host of talent with much higher price tags in the Pearl and will jump from gate nine in a race she needs to do well in to cement her place in the 2YO Classic.
She has two runner-up finishes and a maiden win at the Gold Coast last start to her name but Costa believes Perfect Mission has been luckless so far and has the speed to get into the premier race.
“She is a very talented filly and she has been unlucky in her first two starts,” Costa said.
“She should have really gained enough prizemoney in either one of those two starts cause they were Saturday class races and she has just been pretty much luckless.
“Even though she only one the provincial race at the Gold Coast it was definitely handy enough runners in there and she did it with ease.
“It wasn’t our plan to head into the Magic Millions with four runs under her belt but unfortunately they have been the cards we are dealt.
“She has continued to show us she is recovering well and doing everything right.
“She has drawn a bit tricky again on Saturday and got the heavy track as well. But if she can get a nice run in transit then we are hopeful she picks up enough money to get into the big dance.
“Then it is tremely tough again.”
Having his first runner in the Classic would be another step forward for Costa who has been one of the most going to be an effort to back exup impressive trainers coming through the ranks in recent years.
“To get a runner on the day with the buying power we have is going to be a great effort,” he said.
Costa said he immediately fell in love with the progeny of first-season sire The Mission and dam But Perfect at the sales.
“I fell in love with her type. She was a beautiful walker and had a great attitude,” Costa said.
“That attitude has taken through this preparation as well.
“She has a really smart brain and is almost more like a dog than a racehorse because she is extremely sweet.” her