Punters line up for the Jonker express
JONKER made a real statement with a stunning speed display to win the Wyong Magic Millions yesterday.
There was no fluke about this effort as Jonker maintained his unbeaten record and careered away with the 1100m juvenile race by a widening 4¼ lengths.
The Newcastle youngster’s effort was so impressive he firmed from $9 to $4.40 equal favouritism with Ef Troop in the UBET market for the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 13.
Unbeaten Jonker also firmed to $13 second favouritism behind Performer ($8) for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) during the Sydney autumn carnival.
Trainer David Atkins confirmed Jonker would now go straight into the Coast race without another lead-up run.
“The three weeks to the Magic Millions is perfect,’’ said Atkins, the trainer of many top gallopers over the years including Impaler, Moss Rocket and Reckless Tradition. The 1200m won’t worry him, either.”
Atkins said Jonker had shown above-average ability from the moment the colt was tested at trackwork.
“His second jump-out was very sharp and I thought we might have something here,’’ Atkins said. “Then he trialled super and he has just got better and better.’’
Jonker ($4), who gave jockey Aaron Bullock a career-best win, ran about a little in the straight yesterday but he proved far too good for Skyray ($21) with Bondi ($3.70) getting up for third, a half length further back.
Jonker had won the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle on debut earlier this month.
■ THE Team Hawkestrained Wild Heart created a big impression when he came from last to overhaul Single Bullet in a thrilling finish to the $100,000 Wyong 3YO and 4YO Magic Millions.
Trainer John Hawkes said no decision has been made on whether Wild Heart would go to the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast next month.