Local trainer Peter Balzen scored the biggest win of his training career at the Gold Coast today when unheralded filly Punch On won the $1 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).

Perfectly ridden by Paul Hammersley, Punch On came with a perfectly timed run to nab fellow local Easy Running and win by a nose.

Happy Hussy was a further length and a quarter back in third place.

“I didn’t want to come down until the number went in the frame,” Balzen said. “It was a very close finish.”

“I was very happy with her run – I couldn’t have been any happier with where she was after 100 metres.”

“The luck came our way and she got there – it’s pretty good.”

“Paul (Hammersley) rode her a treat I’m very pleased for both the horse and the rider.”

Connections will resist the temptation of a Sydney autumn campaign with more Queensland riches in mind.

“She will be in the paddock on Monday,” Balzen said. “We’re going to set to her for the Queensland Guineas – it is over 1400 metres and will be right up her alley.”

Balzen said the win was a career highlight – although he has had wins in races including the Tea Rose Stakes, Bernborough Handicap and Gimcrack Stakes.

“It is a great thrill for sure – this is the home track and it (the Guineas) is a big race,” Balzen added.

Punch On is yet another great success story from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale having been purchased from the Raheen Stud draft for just $16,000 at the 2010 auction. She was sold through the draft of Raheen Stud.

Having started just 12 times, the filly has already earned her connections over $800,000.

Punch On, a daughter of Danehill’s Group One winning son Tiger Hill, is one of four winners from four to race for her dam, the Geiger Counter mare School Blue.

Further back his pedigree takes in high class international gallopers including Bigstone, Little Treasure, Empowering, Beaux Arts and Bon Vent.

Winner: Punch On
Breeding: Tiger Hill-School Blue (Geiger Counter)
Race: Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m)
Sold for: $16,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Raheen Stud
Buyer: Peter Balzen
Earnings: $807,697
Owner(s): P Balzen, T Ware, J Grover & Mrs B White
Trainer: Peter Balzen (Gold Coast)