Champion jockey Robert Thompson has tuned up for the Magic Millions with a Group Three victory on Myamira in the Belle Of The Turf Stakes at Gosford.
Thompson rides Sagatona in Saturday's $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast after the Liam Birchley trained filly gained a start as first emergency.
The veteran jockey, who holds the Australian record for the number of winners, brought the Rodney Northam-trained Myamira ($10) from the back of the field to beat Pleiades ($10) by half a length with another 2-1/2 lengths to La Pieta ($13).
Favourite Two Blue ($3) was up with the leaders but failed to sprint in the straight and finished fourth at the end of the 1600m.
Thompson said the early speed of the leaders was to his mare's advantage.
"I wasn't worried much. She likes to race like that," Thompson said.
"There was a lot of speed on for her.
"She was starting to track up good so I made a quick decision knowing she can really sprint for 600 metres.
"Rod's up at the Gold Coast at the yearling sale.
"He said he didn't have much money to buy one but he might now."
Sagatona has had support in the Magic Millions and was at $12 with the TAB on race eve.
"She will beat more home than will beat her," Thompson said.
Friday's Gosford program also featured the Listed Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) won by Emblems and the Listed Gosford Cup (2100m) taken out by Midsummer Sun.
The Cup win gave trainer Sam Kavanagh his first NSW feature since he moved to Sydney from Adelaide at the beginning of the season.
Under vigorous riding from Glyn Schofield, Midsummer Sun ($5.50) held off Brigantin ($4.60) by a neck with favourite Destiny's Kiss ($3.20) notching another minor placing.