Written by Paul Vettise
Michael Moroney has two live tickets in the $2 million Star Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast.
The Flemington trainer has Hawker Hurricane (Deep Field) and Alburq (Rubick) in the mix for the Restricted Listed feature on January 12.
The colts showed they were on target for the 1200 metre event when they finished first and third respectively in the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic at Ballarat on Saturday.
Jump-out winner
Hawker Hurricane had won an 800 metre jump-out at Flemington at the beginning of this month before he trialled right-handed at Ballarat where he finished fourth.
Jockey Mark Zahra partnered him and he successfully combined with Hawker Hurricane on Saturday.
“It’s always a bit hairy this race. He’s a very green horse, but I was lucky we drew well and he showed a good turn of foot.
Mark Zahra returning to scale with Hawker Hurricane
“He doesn’t really know what he’s doing yet, but I like him a lot.” - Mark Zahra.
“After a bit of early bother we got into a nice spot. He doesn’t really know what he’s doing yet, but I like him a lot.”
Moroney’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said as long as the pair continued to progress they would head the Gold Coast way.
“If they keep going the right way we'll head north. You can't dismiss what they've done. As long as they stay intact physically, we'll certainly head that way.
“I thought Hawker Hurricane was the pick, but given the track we had an open mind.
“He got in a bit of an awkward position, but credit to him and he found the line well.” – Jack Turnbull.
“He got in a bit of an awkward position, but credit to him and he found the line well.”
Hawker Hurricane was a $150,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and is a son of the Bernardini (USA) mare Bernarsini.
Hawker Hurricane as a yearling
She is half-sister to the G3 Moonga S., winner Ulmann (Sebring) and Mahisara (More Than Ready {USA}), who won two editions of the G3 Sandown S. It is also the family of the G2 Stocks S.,winner Astrodame (Flying Spur).
Hurricane finish
When Hawker Hurricane was asked to lengthen stride he responded quickly and finished strongly to beat Charvet (Zoustar), who is also in the running for a trip to Queensland, and Alburq kicked on well after making the play out in front.
“It was a great performance,” said Natalie Young, who prepares Charvet with her partner Trent Busuttin.
“She doesn’t quite know how to let down, but she will. We’ll push on to the $2 million race as long as she does well.
“She’s by the right sire and she’s a classy filly who will learn a lot.”
Charvet as a yearling
