Tahlia Hope bringing Invincible Al back after winning her first metropolitan race on Saturday!!!

Patrick Payne's talent as a trainer was on display again on Saturday with Invincible Al winning at Pakenham in course record time. Patrick had recommended stepping the horse back in distance after her finished 4th at Sandown and his judgement was spot on.

Invincible Al is by Yarraman Park's boom sire I Am Invincible out of a Magic Albert mare. Magic Albert is making a name for himself as a broodmare sire with our Group 3 winner Flying Jess also being from a mare by Magic Albert. Invincible Al displayed terrific determination over the concluding 300m of the race and his finishing burst is reminiscent of our other good sprinters Holding, Too Many Reds and of course Husson Eagle.

I was more relieved than thrilled when More Than A Rose saluted at the Gold Coast. The mare has received some awful rides and should have a much better record than she has. Well done to Anthony Allen for getting her home on Saturday albeit by a nose.

It is often difficult to assess where staying horses sit and she will step up in class and will be given an opportunity to qualify for the Magic Millions Stayers Cup. She is out of a mare that was placed 2nd in a Queensland Oaks so has the pedigree to do the job.

MAGIC MILLIONS

It is hard to believe we are only six weeks from Magic Millions big day on 14 January 2017. We are heading towards the day with several horses being aimed at the races on offer. Flying Jess is currently ranked 4th in order of entry for the $2 million Three Year Old Classic.

Husson Eagle is on track to run in the $1 million Magic Millions Sprint despite his disappointing run at Rosehill on Saturday. He has a poor second up record and didn't appreciate the hot humid conditions after travelling up late in the week.

Other Prime horses that may get a run include Annaman, Lomazzo, Naranja, Husson Boots, Chastity Strikes, More Than A Rose, Hijack Hussy, Banachek and One Invincible Cat. More next week but the Magic Millions Carnival will be on us before we know it.

ON THE TRACK

Tough Vic kicks off our week at Launceston tonight. Awasita is likely to run on Friday night but Kris will accept for Saturday as well. Reneged is back in Sydney and heads to Rosehill on Saturday and Invincible Al is a chance to back up on Saturday at Flemington. I am looking forward to the two year old racing over the next month.

I’m certain we haven’t seen the best Magic Millions two year olds hit the track yet with some of the smarter stables waiting for one crack at the $2 million race on 14 January 2017. It will be interesting to see which babies accept for Saturday at Rosehill. The nominations look very strong with two colts I rated highly nominated. John O’Shea has also two highly credentialed youngsters nominated for the race. The two year old race at Moonee Valley looks very pedestrian by comparison.

RACING QUEENSLAND

I was fortunate to be invited to a function on the Gold Coast on Saturday by Magic Millions and had lunch with Steve Wilson, the new Chairman of Racing Queensland. Steve comes from a background that includes a very successful business career and brings a lot to the table in his new role. He was keen to find out the ups and downs of racing horses in other states and with Prime Thoroughbreds racing horses in five states I am well qualified to comment on this.

I left the day feeling racing in Queensland is in good hands and has the opportunity to move forward. It is no secret there have been many challenges in recent years for the industry in the Sunshine State but from a National perspective it is important that Queensland steps up to the plate and firmly establish itself as the 3rd most powerful racing jurisdiction in the country.

There has been a complete cleanout at Racing Queensland and with Steve joined by Eliott Forbes the former CEO of Tasmanian Racing I’m certain they can propel the state forward. Queensland like NSW only has the one metropolitan club which is a huge advantage with it much easier to program racing and events without the petty prejudices that exist in Victoria with the three clubs appearing at loggerheads with RVL on many issues. I wish them well but I have a feeling they will get the job done