Astute trainer John O’Shea won’t be backing up his promising Capitalist filly Junqueira in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas next Saturday after her easy win in the $75,000 Magic Millions 3YO (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday, believing she has bigger fish to fry in Sydney.
Junqueira strolls home alone at the Gold Coast - image Grant Courtney
Junqueira was a Breednet ‘One to Watch’ when she won at Hawkesbury on debut in August and was well fancied to win this assignment after rattling home from last to grab third at her first run back from a spell at Warwick Farm last month.
In contrast to that run when she got back, this time James McDonald had her up on the pace and Junqueira accelerated away from her rivals to win by two and a half lengths.
“She’ll be going back to Sydney,” said John O’Shea.
“Coming up here was about her being able to execute and learn her craft as she has so much ability. We’ll take her home and she could possibly end up in a race like the Light Fingers (Group 2 February 11).”
Junqueira has some serious stakes potential - image Grant Courtney
An $80,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Newgate Farm draft for Mystery Downs/John Foote Bloodstock, Junqueira was bred by SF Bloodstock and is the second winner from imported stakes-winner Bibby (USA), who died in 2019 with Junqueira her last foal.
Newgate will offer a big 50 plus draft at Magic Millions next week including nine by Capitalist.
