O’ Ole’s emotional triumph in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on Friday night was a beautiful display of the racing stars coming together at the Gold Coast. O’Ole, who has been trained by Bjorn Baker, who has been having an incredible run with his squad in recent months, was led to victory by a 10/10 Tommy Berry ride to earn his third victory in the coveted race. Tommy’s remarkable victory comes eleven years after his late brother Nathan led Unencumbered to victory in the same event for Baker. That victory put the New Zealander on the way to the dizzying success he is currently enjoying as one of Australia’s top trainers.
Tommy Berry, who was crying, remarked, “And she left the same barrier (3) Unencumbered did for Nathan as well.” “They named the trophy after Nathan after that day (his death), and it has been the Nathan Berry trophy each year since.”I wanted to win it again because I’m tired of giving it to other people. When Nathan died, he was essentially the stable rider for Bjorn (Baker), for whom I ride occasionally. Today, the stars aligned. I consider myself fortunate to be involved in this incredible sport. O’ Ole (Ole Kirk x Vellor), a $325,000 buy, raced in the club colors in the hectic build-up to the lucrative $3 million event when Baker was late to the track after his flight from Sydney was delayed.
“Bjorn’s flight was delayed by about four hours so he only just landed (before the race) and that’s why she raced in the club colours,” said stable representative Jim Clarke.
“Bjorn messaged me while they were loading into the gates, saying, ‘I came here the other day and met you in the winners’ room, and I’ll do the same again today.'” I haven’t had a chance to speak with him yet. “He was correct. I predict that we will all be seeing him a lot more from now on. Clarke stated that the stable was not particularly surprised by how easily the victory was achieved. Clarke remarked, “Bjorn has a strong opinion of her.” “It was all over at the 200 meters, and the outcome is simply incredible.”The long-term strategy has always been this. Getting her to deliver is a fantastic outcome.For today, she was in cherry-ripe condition, and it was a peach of a ride by Tommy. “She’s been the ultimate professional right from the start.”
O’ Ole ($12) scooped the $1.8 million first prize by 1 ½ lengths on the line from runner-up Memo while Gallo Nero made up ground to fill third another half-length away.
The $325,000 grand prize for the first all-female owned racer across the finish line, however, was up for grabs in what has been called “a race within a race,” with The Playwright barely beating Vein Girl for fourth place. The owners of Vein Girl, however, were not without hope as they received a $100,000 payout in addition to the usual prize money. Bookmaker TAB cut O’ Ole’s Golden Slipper price from $51 to $26 right after her Magic Millions victory.
