Jonker sprints to Magic Millions favouritism

There was no fluke about this effort as Jonker maintained his unbeaten record and careered away with the feature juvenile race way a widening four-and-a-quarter lengths.

The Newcastle youngster’s effort as so impressive he firmed from $ 9 to $ 3.50 favouritism with TAB Fixed Odds for the $ 2 million Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 13.

Unbeaten Jonker also firmed to $ 11 second favouritism behind Performer ($ 8) for the $ 3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) during the Sydney autumn carnival.

Trainer David Atkins confirmed Jonker will now go straight into the Magic Millions without another lead-up run.

“The three weeks to the Magic Millions is perfect,’’ said Atkins, the trainer of many top gallopers over the years including Impaler, Moss Rocket and Reckless Tradition. “The 1200m won’t worry him, either.”

RACEDAY FOCUS: Wagga, Lismore best bets

PRIDE AND BROWN: We’re the milestone mates

Atkins said Jonker has shown above average ability from the moment the colt was tested at trackwork.

“His second jump-out was very sharp and I thought we might have something here,’’ Atkins said.

“Then he trialled super and he has just got better and better. I think he can still improve a bit more.’’

Jonker ($ 4), who gave jockey Aaron Bullock a career-best win, ran about a little in the straight but he proved far too good for Skyray ($ 21) with Bondi ($ 3.70) getting up for third, a half length further back.

Favourite Terminology ($ 3.60) was checked soon after the start, dropped out to last, circled the field mid-race and not surprisingly began to tire from the turn, holding on for a game fourth.

Jonker, who won the Max Lees Classic on debut earlier this month, settled second early behind speedy La Pomme De Pin but took control of the race on the final turn.

Bullock added further merit to Jonker’s win when he revealed the colt slipped coming out of the barriers, losing valuable ground.

Earlier, the Team Hawkes-trained Wild Heart created a big impression when he came from last to overhaul to Single Bullet in a thrilling finish to the $ 100,000 Wyong 3yo and 4yo Magic Millions (1200m).

It was an expert piece of placement from the Hawkes stable as they withdrew Wild Heart from an easier race at Canterbury last Friday night to concentrate on the Wyong race.

Hall of Fame trainer John Hawkes said no decision has been made on whether Wild Heart will go to the $ 2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).

“We will see how Wild Heart pulls up first,’’ Hawkes said. “He’s an improving young horse and that was a good, strong win.’’

Wild Heart firm into $ 15 for the Magic Millions Guineas behind the Greg Hickman-trained colt Pierata, the $ 4.60 favourite.