| Chris Anderson’s $50,000 punt on an unwanted colt paid off handsomely when Lead Me On won Saturday’s $500,000 Magic Millions The Debut Colts and Geldings (1000m) at the Gold Coast. Initially passed in at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, the colt joined Anderson’s stable after the Eagle Farm trainer negotiated a sale with vendor Kichwin Hills and recruited prominent owners Max Whitby and Neil Werrett to race the colt. The now-gelded son of young Newgate Farm sire Brutal showed talent to win a Gold Coast trial last month and he brought that same speed to the races on Saturday. After beginning well from barrier 11, the colt was able to settle outside race leader The Hamo and quickly hit the front after the field turned for home. Another affordable yearling purchase, $30,000 Book 2 buy Heavenly Impact, finished powerfully into second, while The Hamo stuck on gamely to hold third. Anderson thanked Whitby and Werrett for their support and also explained how bloodstock industry figure Mick Malone played a key role in the horse’s story. “For trainers like me to be successful, I need those guys (Whitby and Werrett) in my stable,” Anderson said. “They took a risk and they’ve been rewarded with a pretty cheap horse – we only paid $50,000 for him. “I’ve got to throw out a big thank you to Mick Malone who found the horse and tipped the guys in so I certainly owe Mick plenty. “The horse was unwanted last year, they couldn’t sell him so they passed him in and we landed him.” For Rodd, who won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Regimental Gal in 2003, it was a breakthrough feature win since recently returning to the saddle from a lengthy absence. “It’s a bit surreal to tell you the truth,” Rodd said. “Three months ago when I had just started riding trackwork, I said to myself that if I could have a good book of rides at Ipswich today, I’d be really happy. “It’s very nice to be down here (Gold Coast) I tell you.” Anderson was involved in the $220,000 purchase of Lot 37, a filly by So You Think from Element Hill, on the opening day of the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. |
