Noogoora Burr burst into contention for next month’s $2 million BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a strong win in today’s listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1000m) at Eagle Farm.
Sent out at good odds despite an impressive city win at his only run before a break, Noogoora Burr had favourite punters reeling when he held out the hot favourite Sizzling for a half neck win.
Despite starting at $1.14, Sizzling wouldn’t have lost any admirers – coming from well back in the field and narrowly failing to win – the exciting youngster clearly looking for 1200 metres.
But today was Noogoora Burr’s day and the son of Royal Academy will now head to the Magic Millions Classic.
The win was a welcome reward for Eagle Farm trainer David Lawlor, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment after a third bout of cancer.
“He’s in the Magic Millions and is going to win it too,” Lawlor tolld AAP. “This has been the best day of my life.”
“It’s the best feeling I’ve had in my life and it’s the best chemo ever,” he added.
Lawlor said Noogoora Burr would have one more run proior to Queensland’s richest race. He is set to clash again with Sizzling in the Group Three BJ McLachlan Stakes in a fortnight.
Noogoora Burr is shaping as another of the great bargain buys of the Magic Millions. He was purchased by Peter Lawlor from the draft of Widden Stud at January’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale for just $37,500.
Unbeaten in two runs he’s already earned his jubilant connections $96,000.
Kelso Wood, trainer of the beaten favourite Sizzling, was far from disappointed with the result of today’s race.
“It was an enormous run from a bad barrier,” Wood said. “I’m sure the 1200 metres in the Magic Millions will suit him a lot better.”
One of six winners, from the 100 per cent winner producer Azalea, Noogoora Burr is a half sister to the Group One performed Sydney winner Fleur Royale.
Azalea, a two time winner, including one at two, hails from the family of international Group One winners Nahrain, Little Jamie and influential kiwi champion mare La Mer.
Noogoora Burr is the 164th individual stakes winner for champion international sire Royal Academy – joining the likes of Val Royal, Oscar Schindler, Serious Speed, Kenwood Melody, Top Hat and Black Caviar’s sire Bel Esprit.
It was a double from as many races at Eagle Farm for Lawlor following the win of Maling in the day’s opening event over 2128 metres.
Maling, by Redoute’s Choice, was purchased from the Hudson Conway draft at the Magic Millions Racehorse Sale earlier this year for $37,000.
Winner: Noogoora Burr
Breeding: Royal Academy-Azalea (Marscay)
Race: BRC Phelan Ready Stakes LR (1000m)
Sold for: $37,500
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Widden Stud (As Agent)
Buyer: Peter Lawlor
Earnings: $96,000
Owner(s): PR & Mrs LM Lawlor
Trainer: David Lawlor (Eagle Farm)
PICS – Dan Costello.
