Double up for Morton
Trainer Dan Morton scored his second consecutive win in the $250,000 Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic (1100m) at Ascot when Cadenza prevailed in a thrilling finish.
Cadenza, ridden by Shaun O’Donnell, secured a dream inside run to win from a seemingly impossible position.
O’Donnell extricated Cadenza ($9), who settled eighth, off the fence on the turn.
The pint-sized filly took advantage of a hot speed set by Palace Intruder to swoop on Silver Trace.
She held off a late challenge from the fast-finishing Rommel ($10) to win by a short head.
Silver Trace ($4.60), who loomed as the winner with 100m to go, ran a close-up third.
Hold Your Tongue was also close-up when running on powerfully into fourth.
Palace Intruder, the well-backed $3 favourite, faded badly in the straight to run 13th.
Morton won last year’s Magic Millions Classic with outstanding two-year-old Camporella and continued his recent hot form.
He only unveiled Cadenza for her debut race start a week ago, with the Oratorio filly scoring an impressive win over 1200m.
“It was a super win,” Morton said.
“She was in a world of trouble getting to the corner.
“She had a great gate (three) and you just hope they use it which she did.”
It was a special win for Morton and O’Donnell, who started their jockey apprenticeships together.
“I won the Magic Millions 3YO race for his dad (Len, on Flight Path) and to win it for Dan means so much,” O’Donnell said.
“She got a bit hampered early when she couldn’t hold a spot.
“But getting to the corner it just opened up for her.”
Testamezzo took advantage of a hot speed to storm home to victory in the $100,000 Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1200m).
The $4.60 second favourite sprinted powerfully from seventh on the turn to beat Lenience by 1¼ lengths.
Vampi Lass ran third.
Petrol Power, the heavily-supported $2 favourite, faded into fifth after racing outside of pacesetter Chinetti. He made a respiratory noise and will be scoped next week.
Chinetti capitulated to finish ninth and suffered a cardiac arrhythmia.
Testamezzo, trained by Dan Pearce, boosted his record to five wins from seven starts.
“People said he was only a 1000m horse, but we trialled him for a 1200 and he ran through the line,” Pearce said.
