Star mare Driefontein will be set for the Group One Coolmore Classic after her gutsy win in the $200,000 R.M.Williams Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Handicap (1300m) at the Gold Coast today.

A former winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Driefontein notched a second win on Queensland’s richest raceday when she scored a brace win with 61 kiograms.

With a wall of rivals throwing down sustained challenges for much of the straight, the class of Driefontein shone through and she got home by a neck.

“She’s a wonderful mare,” Star Thoroughbreds’ Denise Martin said. “She won the race two years ago – she’s just a cracker.”

“She’s now won six races and her earnings are getting close to $2 million and I purchased her for $75,000 at the Magic Millions.”

“She’s a class mare, I’m just so ecstatic. I love her to pieces.”

Trainer Gai Waterhouse, a regular visitor to the winner’s stall on Magic Million racedays, was thrilled with the win and predicted a big campaign for the daughter of Fastnet Rock.

“I’m setting her for the Coolmore Classic and I’m sure you’ll be seeing the purple and white in the winner’s stall during the autumn carnival,” Waterhouse said.

Driefontein got home to beat last start Doomben winner Miss Leibert by a neck, while Arms Lenghth was another half head back in third place.

One of five winners for the 100 per cent winner producer Follow Gold, Driefontein has earned over $1.8 million during a 20 start career to date.

Her dam Follow Gold was a stakes winner in Melbourne of three races and she is a full sister to Export Gold, the am of stakes winner Forest Gold.

The win was just rewards for connections of Driefontein, Star Thoroughbreds and Gai Waterhouse – both of who are huge supporters of Magic Millions and head the leading buyers list again at this week’s sales.

DRIEFONTEIN 
(Fastnet Rock-Follow Gold)
$75,000 at 2011 Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Widden Stud
Buyer: Star Thoroughbreds