Houtzen Wins 2017 Magic Millions 2YO Classic!

Written on the 16 January 2017

A stellar performance for Houtzen who won the 2017 $2 Million Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Starting from a wide barrier, Houtzen ($4) crossed over to the inside to lead from around the 250m mark, and just held on to win by a 3/4 length to Chauffeur ($19) with 2 1/4 lengths to Madeenaty ($9) in third place.

It was a triumphant trifecta for this 2yo filly sired by I Am Invincible with 3 wins from 3 starts in this season and prize money to date of $1,285,400.00. And of course trainer Toby Edmonds and jockey Jeff Lloyd couldn't be more thrilled with her effort and for sticking with their tactics.

Edmonds said that he had been behind with the filly after missing a barrier trial because of wet weather before her first start.

"We had to delay her first run and after she won, we didn't look as though we would have enough prize money to make the field. I had to run her last Saturday," Edmonds said.

"Then we drew the outside barrier and we were studying the race daily to decide on tactics. When we got to the track, I decided, bugger it, let's stick with what we know - let her get out and run from the start."

Edmonds said that Houtzen would press on to the $3.5 million Golden Slipper in March after having a short break.

Only $80,000 in prizemoney will count towards the Golden Slipper as the Millions is a sales-restricted race.

"But winning the Magic MIllions means everything to us. The Gold Coast is my home track and most of the owners are from the Gold Coast. Anything else will be a bonus," Edmonds said.

The last minute decision to stick to tried and tested tactics with Houtzen paid off big-time. Lloyd praised the determination of Houtzen to overcome her bad barrier.

"It was a very tough win because she had to do it both ends," Lloyd said.

"She did it all and she did it tough. She never really came back to me and I had concerns throughout the whole race that she might have got across too quick and be doing too much. She'd had enough in the last 50m but she was entitled to."

Lloyd said Houtzen was very revved up, concerned the big crowd and occasion might have got to her.

"I was concerned when she went around to the barriers a bit keen. She deserves a little holiday but it is up to Toby," Lloyd said.

Josh Parr, who was having his first Millions Classic ride on Chauffeur said while he was disappointed at the result, the colt would be a force to be reckoned with during the autumn.

"I am shattered we haven't won but he has confirmed what we always felt and that is he's going to be a very good colt," Parr said.

Mark Zahara said Madeenaty got tired chasing Houtzen and the winner was too slick for her.

(Photo source: AAP)