It was billed as a match-race between quality fillies Isotope and Away Game but the recently-gelded Aim surprised punters in Saturday’s A$2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast with a brilliant return to form.
Peter and Paul Snowden’s three-year-old, who started as one of the favourites in last year’s 2YO Classic, broke a winning drought that dated back to December 2019 when he stormed over the top of Amish Boy and Away Game, both trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.
The race wasn’t without controversy as jockey Ryan Maloney parted ways with Isotope near the 300m. Both horse and rider were cleared of any serious injury.
Paul Snowden said he was delighted to capitilise with a lucrative win for connections after a proposed sale to Hong Kong fell through last year.
“We were pretty confident, I only wanted to get on one horse of ours coming up here and it was him,” Snowden said.
“He just needed to get back on to firm going.
“He probably lost his way a little bit after his two-year-old season but he’s back as a gelding this preparation and it’s good to win one.
“He was sold (to Hong Kong) and the money didn’t come through so it was just play on.”
Snowden said he was glad that he chased jockey James McDonald to ride Aim.
“Mark Guest (jockey manager) owes me a beer, we tried to sell him the ride for James (McDonald) and he said they were going with Forbidden Love,” he said.
“I knew he (McDonald) was going to Byron Bay for 10 days and he wasn’t going to make the weight (54.5kg) so I just waited and I’m glad I did, the rest is history.”
McDonald, who won the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in 2014 on Sweet Idea, said Aim was aided by a fast speed.
“The speed was on from the start which made it a real testing 1400m but he was strong late,” McDonald said.
“This is my first ride on him, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him but he gave me a great feel today.”
Aim was purchased by China Horse Club and Newgate Bloodstock for A$200,000 out of the Newhaven Park draft at the 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Saturday’s victory saw his earnings soar past A$1.3 million.
The Snowdens were again active on the first four days of the 2021 Magic Millions Yearling Sale with several purchases, including Lot 584, a Russian Revolution filly out of Newgate Farm’s draft that was purchased for A$425,000.
