The Not A Single Doubt colt Cusack earned his ticket for the $2million Magic Millions 2yo Classic in January when making a winning debut in Saturday’s $250,000 Magic Millions Ballarat 2yo Classic (1000m).
With Craig Newitt in the saddle for trainers Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, Cusack clung to a nose victory over Matt Cumani’s fast-finishing Star Witness filly Cover Star with the Clayton Douglas-trained Starspangledbanner colt Epic Centre a further length back in third.
“He was tough. He didn’t do everything 100 per cent,” Busuttin said.
“He was off the bridle on the point of the turn. I thought, ‘you’re in trouble.’ He was hanging out from the horse inside (of) him, but he hung tough.
“For a great bunch of owners - ladies that got together and bought the horse. They’ll be chasing that Ladies Bonus up on the Gold Coast.
“That is certainly a lot harder, but he’s basically got his ticket in the race, so all being well, we’ll go up there.
“It’s good to get new owners involved, and I’m rapt for them.
“He’ll have a little break now - get him racing around that way and get up there.”
Cusack was a bit of a grump in the saddling paddock, giving Newitt a bit of a scare.
“He’s a funny horse. He’s really quiet at home, and I was a bit surprised,” Newitt said.
“I said to the guys that if you didn’t know him, you’d be worried about getting on him.
“He tried to cow-kick me but once he set foot on the track he was a deadset kids pony.
“He’s the ultimate professional and he’s got the ability to go with it.”
Cusack was the equal most expensive horse in the field. Busuttin Racing purchased the son of Not a Single Doubt for $200,000 out of the Fernrigg Farm draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Fernrigg will offer a full sister to Cusack at the Magic Millions in January.
Cusack is the first winner of two to race out of the winning Street Hero mare Belle Que. She is one of 36 live foals from the final crop of Arrowfield Stud’s Not A Single Doubt.
Fernrigg Farm purchased Belle Que for $150,000 from the Edinburgh Park draft at the 2018 National Broodmare Sale when carrying a filly by Written Tycoon.
From the family of Criterion, Comin’ Through, Malice and Bull Point, Belle Que was covered by Microphone last year.
