PETER ROBL declared next month's $2 million Magic Millions on the Gold Coast as good as over after Assail thumped her Wyong Magic Millions rivals on Thursday.
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The laid-back hoop was positive on the track, crossing to lead from the outside gate and more positive off it after a three-length victory from Frill Seeking and Dream Forward. "What can I say, everything went to plan and she was brilliant," Robl said. "She will win the Magic Millions like that as well.
"She just did everything right. She got across them then relaxed and on the turn I asked her to go and she put six [lengths] on them."
As Assail ($5.50) reached the line, Robl had relaxed her again but she still smashed She's A Meanie's race record. Assail's performance was as dominant as any seen from a two-year-old this season. Priced at $14 on TAB Sportsbet before the race, Assail was quickly made the $4.50 favourite for the Magic Millions Classic on January 12. Trainer Clarry Conners said he wasn't sure whether to run Assail in the $200,000 Wyong scamper but Robl was brimming with confidence. "He rode her a couple of times and in the barrier trial last week told me after that wherever she goes she will be win and he was right," Conners said.
"When I saw the barrier I ummed and ah-ed about whether to start her, but it didn't make any difference to her at all. She is still raw after two runs and two barrier trials and can keep improving."
Conners, who is a master trainer of juveniles said Assail was better than his other Magic Millions winner Mirror Mirror. He will be happy if she can fulfil Robl's prediction as he owns 30 per cent of the filly. "I bought her for $40,000 and then got left with 30 per cent of her," Conners said. "So it will be good that she keeps winning."
Matthew Smith said Frill Seeking will also head to the Gold Coast after her good second.
"The filly [Assail] is obviously very good but I think we have enough money to get into the race and it is not every day that you can run in a $2 million one," Smith said.
Dream Forward was game on debut, sitting three and four wide throughout yet sticking on for third. Dothraki started favourite and could only run fifth, just behind Gai Waterhouse's Certitude.
