Trainer John Moloney, jockey Tye Angland and syndicator Joe O'Neill orchestrated one of the biggest boilovers in Magic Millions history when Flying Jess ($101) won the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
The race was billed as a one act affair with Bjorn Baker's emerging star Winning Rupert expected to continue his unbeaten streak however the Victorian filly, a $60,000 purchase at the 2015 Magic Millions Gold Cast Yearling Sale from the Milburn Creek draft, had other plans
Despite a winless campaign, Moloney was thrilled with the condition in which
Flying Jess (images Steve Hart) had arrived on the Gold Coast and said he was always confident she would
acquit herself well in the lucrative feature."As Joe (O'Neill) said, you've just got to be in it to win it and you never know what can happen on the day," Moloney said.
"Her run in Sydney was OK, there was nothing wrong with it and today back to the 1400m with a nice gate and a nice ride, we're in the finish.
"This horse has not turned a hair, she went to Sydney and didn't miss a beat and now she's turned up here in great order."
Angland was having his first ride on filly and said he was surprised with the strong turn of foot she displayed to reel in Winning Rupert and runner-up Global Glamour.
After enjoying a cosy run throughout the race, Angland and Flying Jess were able to work to the centre of the track shortly after entering the home straight before letting loose to claim the lead inside the shadows of the winning post and deliver connections a $1.2 million payday.
"I was lucky enough to get the call from Prime Thoroughbreds and while I'd had a little bit of success for them, this definitely takes the cake," Angland said.
"I drew next to Winning Rupert and he ended up being two pairs in front of me but I always travelled strong through the race and I was able to peel off its back and the turn of foot that she showed was dynamite."
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Global Glamour fought on bravely to hold second place while Kurt Godman's I Am Invincible filly Eckstein filled third placing. Winning Rupert was fourth.
The yearling half-sister to Flying Jess by Not A Single Doubt was knocked down to Gollan Racing and John Foote Bloodstock on Wednesday's opening day of the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $130,000.
Bred and sold by John Muir's Milburn Creek, Flying Jess was already a stakes-winner having taken out the Group III SAJC Sires Produce Stakes at two.
She is the best of four winners from stakes-placed Maritess, who has a colt foal by I Am Invincible and was covered again by Hinchinbrook last spring.
