With both Singular Sensation and Secret Lady effectively now qualified for the 2018 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast, the all women owned pair of fillies are also in the running for a $500,000 Racing Women's Bonus.
Bought by Blue Sky Bloodstock (BSB) for Aquis from the draft of Newhaven Park, the Steven O'Dea-trained Singular Sensation (Not A Single Doubt) is unbeaten after two racetrack appearances, winning by a combined margin of over seven lengths.
"She should have enough prize money to get into the Millions Classic so the pressure is off us a bit. She can go out to Aquis Farm for a week on the water walker and then her next start will the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes in a month's time," O'Dea said.
Golden Slipper-winning trainer Gary Portelli knows a quality two-year-old when one walks into his stable, and he is confident that Secret Lady (Choisir) (image Steve Hart) has the potential to mix it with the best in January on the Gold Coast in search of victory in the $2 million scamper.
Bought by BSB for Aquis and Portelli Racing for just $150,000 in Perth earlier this year, Secret Lady produced an encouraging effort on debut finishing second, before defeating the odds-on favourite on Saturday at Rosehill Garden, earning the praises of her trainer.
"I think the second horse was a bit unlucky but we were ready to go, got the job done and now we're qualified for the Magic Millions and probably qualified for a (Golden) Slipper.
"She's a really good doer, she's such a relaxed filly with a stack of ability and will only improve from here on."
Trainer Tony McEvoy will look to add a third 2YO to BSB's arsenal, as the talented Sunlight (Zoustar), third on debut in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial, will attempt to secure enough prizemoney to make the field in the coming weeks.
While the trio are all leading chances for the 2YO contest, fellow BSB Magic Millions purchased graduates Invincible Star and Whypeeo, both by the incomparable I Am Invincible, find themselves as leading contenders for the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).
A winner of two of five starts to date, both at Group 3 level highlighted by her most recent victory down the Flemington, winning by four lengths before a narrow second in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained filly exudes class and looks to be an outstanding chance in January.
Successful winning this year's Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Houtzen, trainer Toby Edmonds puts the polish on out 3YO Guineas contender Whypeeo.
Breaking his maiden by five and a half lengths on debut, the gelding backed it up by winning two of his next three starts to highlight himself as a leading carnival contender.
Likely to kick of his campaign on December 2 at either Doomben or Rosehill, Edmonds is leaving plans slightly fluid at the moment.
"Our aim was always going to be the Magic Millions carnival," Edmonds said.
"At this stage Whypeeo is being set for the Magic Millions Guineas over 1400m but a back-up plan is the Magic Millions Sprint (over 1200m)."
With the $10 million race series available to purchases from the Magic Millions yearling sales, Blue Sky Bloodstock's aim is always to secure prospects that can be aimed back at the lucrative prizemoney on offer and with the formation of the 2018 Elite Colts Club, BSB are on the lookout for exciting colts that can find their way into the breeding barns of leading farms throughout Australasia after their racing careers.
Colts like Pierro, Vancouver and Capitalist whose combined yearling purchase price of $575,000 equates to a combined stallion purchase price of approximately $95 million after their stellar racing careers, epitomises the opportunities available for colts from the sale.
"It's obviously exciting for our clients to have two in the Magic Millions Classic already but we are now focused on finding next seasons gun 2YO's. I've already seen over 400 yearlings catalogued in the 2018 MM Premier sale on-farm. It's the best group of Magic Millions Colts, in particular, I've seen thus far, and can't wait for the sale in January. The sale produces sires year after year and is ideally suited to our Elite Colts Club," stated Managing Director Julian Blaxland.
"It is reassuring to know that the strict yearling selection criteria we follow is working, as we want our clients owning horses that are competitive on the big days."
With the recent release of the 2018 catalogue, the 853-strong Book 1 offers buyers an outstanding opportunity to tap into some of the southern hemisphere's best bred and conformed yearlings.
If you are keen to find out any further information on the 2018 Elite Colts Club or how you too can be involved in the $10 million race series, please contact Blue Sky Bloodstock on bluesky@blueskybloodstock.com.au