The quality runners shone and the updates flooded in for tomorrow's Tasmanian Yearling Sale at the Oaks and Magic Millions Raceday in Launceston this evening.
Le Cadeau had his connections cheering with joy as he produced a powerful finish to win the Magic Millions Tasmanian 2YO Classic (1200m). Well handled by Bulent Muhcu, Le Cadeau ($3.30 fav) got to the line a long neck ahead of the debuting runner-up Warrior Prince ($13), while Thunberg ($8) was about a length and a half back in third place.
While many cameras were pointing on the winner as he flashed past the post, there were plenty of cheers coming from official on course photographer Bill Hayes who purchased Le Cadeau and shares in the ownership.
"What a thrill," Hayes beamed moments after capturing the action of his youngster. "Nothing beats a win and to win a Magic Millions is amazing."
Hayes went to $26,000 to secure the exciting youngster from the draft of Armidale Stud at last year's Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
A son of Statue of Liberty, Le Cadeau is trained from Spreyton by master horsewoman Leanne Gaffney.
He is the first foal of the three time winning Ladoni mare Isn't Life Strange and her latest yearling, a filly by multiple Group One winner Palentino, will go under the hammer tomorrow as Lot 15 for Armidale Stud.
The connections of the debutant Gamble in Paris walked away with a $10,000 prize for being the Tasmanian Racing Women's Bonus winner.
The Gaffney stable made it a feature race double when Le Cadeau's quality stablemate Deroche won the Tasbreeders Magic Millions Tasmanian 3&4YO Classic (1400m).
With Craig Newitt in the saddle, Deroche delighted favourite punters when she cruised to a soft long neck win.
Leading home a quinella for her sire Needs Further, Deroche made it 16 wins in Magic Millions features for horses syndicated by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds.
"She won the 2YO Classic here last year and to come back and win as a 3YO is just fabulous," a beaming Martin said. "We've had so much success in Magic Millions races - it's wonderful."
Newitt was easy on the filly and told connections she could have "easily sprinted away" had he asked. But he was leaving "petrol in the tank" for her expected run in Wednesday's Group Three Vamos Stakes.
Deroche was purchased by Star Thoroughbreds for $61,000 at the 2019 Tasmanian Yearling Sale by Armidale Stud, who will present a Wordsmith half brother as Lot 121 tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Still a Star lived up to her name when she added yet another feature win to her impressive resume in the listed Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) run earlier on the card.
The Bill Ryan prepared daughter of Toronado had to produce a number of runs during the race but was still there fighting to the finish comfortably holding out her rivals.
Still a Star, who had won the Tasmanian Guineas, Launceston Guineas and Strutt Stakes at stakes grade at her previous three starts, withheld the interstate challengers to confirm her status as the state's best staying three-year-old.
The bonny filly was a $13,000 Tasmanian Yearling Sale buy for Monica Ryan from Alva Stud and has now earned her connections well over $400,000 from just 12 starts - for seven wins and five second placings.
A Manhattan Rain half sister to Still a Star will be offered by Alva Stud as Lot 23 at tomorrow's 2020 Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
Tomorrow's Tasmanian Yearling Sale will commence at 12pm (AEDT) at the Inveresk Showgrounds in Launceston.
