Gold Edition Staggers Aussie Rivals in MM 3-Year-Old Classic

It is so pleasing when the best horse in the race wins. And that's excatly what turned out as the dust settled on the (Aus) $1 million Magic Millions 3-Year-Old Classic when Gold Edition, Australia's premier sprinting sophomore, scorched the turf to lead all the way and win by a widening five lengths.

It was the most comprehensive win in the history of the $1,007,245 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 3-Year-Old Trophy and she ran a staggering 1.21.07 on turf for the seven furlongs (1,400 meters).

The daughter of Lion Hunter and the great producer Glimmers who was a $130,000 fifth session buy at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale in 2005, was sent out the second favorite, but in an incredible front running display she cruised home to the cheers of a massive crowd. She now has won more than (Aus)$1.8 million which includes a group I win late last year at Flemington.

"It was pretty amazing stuff wasn't it," a delighted Ron Maund said. "She is something really."

Maund said he would wait and see how she comes through the race before deciding on her next mission.

"We'll let her tell us. She's won us the cake, the icing and now the cream on top of the cake, what more can you ask for?"

Gold Edition owns an outstanding record of 11 wins and six placings from 21 starts.

The win also boosted the prospects of her outstanding yearling half-sister by the boom young stallion Iglesia who'll go through the ring on Sunday.

Gold Edition, who four runs back scored a runaway win in the group 1 Ascot Vale Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day, is raced by Maund's top clients, Victorian based couple Kevin and Tanith O'Brien.

The O'Briens, whose Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm is based at Corinella, have been long time clients and friends of Maund and their entire team of horses are trained by the Maund family around Australia.

Kevin O'Brien said the win reaffirmed Gold Edition's place as one of the best horses in the country.

"She's just brilliant, she's the best 3-year-old in the country," O'Brien beamed. Those who own Miss Finland, the 2006 Golden Slipper winner may disagree, but it would be a great, great race.

"It's a great feeling, she just blew them away," he added. "Darren (Beadman) did the right thing and got her across to the fence and dictated the pace and it was all over 200 out.

"We didn't give Darren any instructions, he's the best in the world."

At the end of the million dollar race it was Gold Edition who held a massive margin over runner-up Grand Reve.

Sequential Charm, who last start defeated Gold Edition in the Vo Rogue Plate at Doomben, was third, another length back.