Taking the 'easier option' has helped Turk Warrior show his worth winning again at Launceston
Notching his eleventh victory in 18 starts, Turk Warrior has improved his value even more to connections – not just in a financial sense – after winning the Magic Millions 3yo/4yo Classic (1400m) at Launceston.
Rejecting million-dollar offers when a three-year-old, the now four-year-old who originally failed to reach the $30,000 asking price at the 2020 Tasmanian Magic Millions Sale, has delivered a moving ride for Turkish-born jockey Ismail Toker.
“We’re having a good time with him,” Toker said.
“I’ve got a really good connection with him and I love waking up and seeing him every morning.
“He’s changed my life a lot and I can’t explain it.
For trainerGlenn Stevenson, pinpointing this race as an easier task has paid off.
“He’s been good every run this prep and I thought we’d lead tonight but it ended up that we didn’t, and I’m pleased that he travelled well outside of another runner.
Though a break is now likely for Turk Warrior ($1.55 betr favourite), Stevenson is wary of challenging in Melbourne through the winter months given the likelihood of a ratings rise and competitive races possibly over 1600 metres.
In the $75,000 Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m), it was a worthwhile boat trip across the Bass Strait for the Danny O’Brien -trained Sassy Boom who impressed with a 3¼-length victory.
Finishing down the track in tenth placing on a Soft 6-rated track in the Ballarat Magic Millions feature version in November, a firmer surface proved more favourable for the filly by Spirit Of Boom and earned her all women ownership syndicate a $10,000 Magic Millions bonus.
