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Gai Waterhouse's run of success in Magic Millions races continued at the Gold Coast when her quality galloper Kinnersley won Saturday's $200,000 Magic Millions Stayers Cup.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Courtesy of a perfect ride from stable rider Tommy Berry, Kinnersley was a clas above his rivals as he raced clear in the straight and scored a comprehensive length and a quarter win.
Carrying the famous Star Thoroughbreds colours, Kinnersley easily carried the topweight of 59kg to beat Anagold and Bid Spotter.
"He's been such a good horse for Star and the owners," Waterhouse said.
Kinnersley's win took his earnings to almost $500,000, an impressive return on the $80,000 he cost as a yearling.
Waterhouse said Kinnersley had thrived since he had arrived in Queensland and was confident he could bounce back from his Villiers Stakes defeat at his previous start.
"He's so laid-back and nothing seems to worry him," she said.
"He's been down to the beach at Nudgee and he's been having an absolute ball here in Queensland.
"He's one of the toughest horses you'll ever find. That's why I enjoy training him.
"We might have to leave him here - he's a Queensland boy through and through," she added.
The gelding also continued the impressive strike rate of jockey Tommy Berry in Queensland.
"Winning a couple of Magic Millions Classics has been a real boost to my career and I also rode four winners at a lead-up meeting at Doomben last year," Berry said.
"I can't complain about my luck in Queensland that's for sure."
Meanwhile the Stradbroke Handicap is looming as a Group One winter goal for Sydney-trained Triple Elegance after he rediscovered winning form in Saturday's $200,000 Magic Millions Cup.
A non winner for more than a year, Triple Honour was back in top form to score by a length from Gundy Son with Stratford third.
Liam Prior, stable manager for trainer Chris Waller, said the Stradbroke was likely to be on the agenda for Triple Elegance.
"We tried him in the Stradbroke last year but I think getting a win back on the board will help build his confidence levels," Prior said.
"We've tried different things with gear adjustments and a change of riders and it's all come together for him.
"Different surroundings and the trip away from home has done him the world of good.
"Usually with horses like this when they have a kill they can go on to better things so hopefully that will be the case again."