Stars can emerge from the Magic Millions lead-up event run at Wyong
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace had a good back-up option after they were forced to withdraw Spywire from last Saturday's Listed Phelan Ready Stakes at Eagle Farm due to a setback.
The son of Trapeze Artist is an acceptor for Wednesday's $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1200m).
The 1100-metre event has only been around since 2012 but has already had a significant impact on Gold Coast 2YO Classic, which will be run for $3 million on the Gold Coast on January 13.
Unencumbered and Capitalist completed the double, Exhilarates won on the Gold Coast after finishing second at Wyong, while Madeenaty ran third in the big one after winning at Wyong.
Such is the respect for the Wyong event that Unite And Conquer was sent around favourite on the Gold Coast after his win there, while inaugural Wyong winner Assail would have started a warm favourite on the Gold Coast had she been able to take her place.
Farnan also won at Wyong and while he came up short on the Gold Coast, he rebounded to win the Golden Slipper, as did Capitalist.
They recorded Timeform figures of 110 and 112 respectively at Wyong, while Unencumbered went 109.
Spywire, who cost $520,000 at the Gold Coast January Sale, is one of only two Wyong starters who have previously been to the races.
He occupies a spot on the second line Millions betting thanks to a brilliant Rosehill debut win, when he earned a Timeform rating of 95 and a spot on the second line of betting for the Gold Coast feature.
The only other to have raced is the most expensive yearling in the race – $900,000 Gold Coast purchase Highness a son of Snitzel – who finished sixth, beaten just 1-3/4 lengths by Espionage, in the Breeders' Plate on September 30.
Others engaged include Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's $200,000 Street Boss filly Toque, who has won her two trials, Kris Lees-trained Justify first starter Justice Please, a $120,000 purchase, and first-season sire products Aboveforty (Too Darn Hot), Pierolite (Pierata) and Brutal Elegance (Brutal).
The 2YO race is one of two Magic Millions lead-up events run at Wyong on Wednesday with the three and four-year-olds to go around in a $150,000 event over 1200 metres, in which Group 1 winner Royal Merchant is the short-priced favourite.
