Dusty Tycoon and Zoushack headlined the quality of miRunners horses as they gave the whole community a reason to celebrate over the past fortnight.
The excitement was highlighted by race caller Josh Fleming as Dusty Tycoon stormed passed the Sunshine Coast Turf Club winning post first. “And I can hear the miRunners team cheering from up here,” he said.
These cheers continued all the way down to Victoria as Zoushack tackled the Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic. In his first start in a month, finishing fourth in a quality field, it was a promising indication that miRunners owners just may get to hit the track at the Gold Coast Magic Millions this January.
As the first two-year-old of the miRunners and Racing Queensland partnership to make their race debut, Dusty Tycoon showcased the quality of talent and professionalism on offer. Starting from barrier one it was only a matter of strides before Dusty would assume a front running position. The Robert Heathcote trained filly continued to improve over the 1000m journey under the urgings of jockey Dale Smith, before dashing away to claim victory by 0.8 lengths.
“Just getting in some practice for the Magic Millions.” Heathcote laughed as he was questioned post race on Sky Thoroughbred Central about the electrifying roar of the miRunners cheers. Smith also echoed these sentiments as he compared coming up the straight to the race that stops the nation. “Well i did think it sounded a bit like a Melbourne Cup as we came around the home corner, it was pretty loud from all the crew.”
Dusty Tycoon and Jockey Dale Smith victorious on debut
Going forward the team’s focus is now on the Select Fire Systems Doomben Plate worth $125,000 at Doomben this Saturday. Should she ‘knock it off’ it will then be all systems go to the Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
In full flight- Dusty Tycoon
Flying the miRunners colours in Victoria was two time winner Zoushack trained by Lindsay Park. Having last raced at Warwick Farm in October and before that it was also a month between runs, the three-year-old gelding met a competitive field at Ballarat including group three winner Li’l Kontra and eventual race winner Hawker Hurricane.
Zoushack in the mounting yard ahead of his race at Ballarat on Saturday
Jumping well from barrier 10, jockey Luke Nolan placed him in a forward position three wide over the 1100m distance. Despite others commencing to weaken over the latter stages Zoushack continued to make ground finishing in fourth place. He has a massive heart and a never give up attitude which all his owners love him for.
Both jockey and trainer had nothing but praise for the efforts of Zoushack suggesting that he may be better suited to a further trip over 1200m. “It was a nice honest run and it indicates he is well up to this grade.” Nolan said.
Ben Hayes also commented “If we had of been able to have a bit more of an economical run we would have been able to finish second or third. A little bit of interference in the finish but overall I thought it was a pretty good run.”
The competitive field battles it out to the line in the Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic
Further post race comments confirmed that the Magic Millions plan is still on track as it is now about earning prize money to gain entry into the field. “We would probably have to win a race but I think he will.” Hayes said.
A further stable report outlined a Super VOBIS race on Saturday the 21st of December at Flemington as the next target for Zoushack.
Powering to the line- Zoushack
Come onboard the miRunners ownership ride with premium bred racehorses and on track success with three quality two-year-old fillies available. By proven sires Snitzel, Hinchinbrook and Exceed and Excel, there is no reason why you can not be cheering home your own horse like the owners of Dusty Tycoon and Zoushack.
If you too dream of hitting the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions carnival with your beach bag in hand, fascinator on head and an owners pass waiting to be collected, why not make this dream real life by joining the miRunners community.
Purchase your unit in a miRunners two-year-old today from $187 per unit + $15 per month.
