Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have strengthened their hand for the Magic Millions Classic after The Novelist confirmed his spot in the $2 million race with a gutsy performance in the BJ McLachlan Stakes at Doomben.
The Novelist will join stablemates Platinum Jubilee and Summer Loving in the Gold Coast showpiece after becoming Waterhouse’s fourth B J McLachlan winner following How Funny (2002), She’s Meaner (2006) and Driefontein (2011).
Speaking from Randwick, Bott said The Novelist did a great job to fend off all challengers after making the running, while also proving he could extend to 1200m following an emphatic debut win over 1000m at Kembla Grange.
“He ran out a strong 1200-metres, we weren’t necessarily concerned about that, but that was one of the questions asked of him going into the race and I think he has answered that,” Bott said.
“The manner in which he did it, he was able to show good tactical speed early, he was pretty measured through the mid-stages of the race and I thought he fought on bravely.
“There was a bit of pressure on and a few challenging late but he kept on finding and responding. Overall, a good, tough performance.”
Ridden by James Innes Junior, The Novelist ($4.20) refused to lay down, edging out Excel D’Or ($10) with Godzilla ($18) running on from back in the field for third.
Miss Coota started an odds-on favourite but drifted back after a tardy start, making some late headway to finish fifth.
Coolangatta won the B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) last year before going on to claim the Magic Millions Classic and Bott again expects the race to be a strong form reference.
“The Novelist took the necessary improvement from his maiden to that class and I think we’ll see that form will stack up well going to the Magic Millions,” he said.
Tim Clark will partner The Novelist at the Gold Coast, but Innes Junior was content to warm the saddle on Saturday and said the winner showed the customary Tulloch Lodge fight.
“I could feel him tiring a little late but they’re just so tough,” Innes Junior said.
“They do such a great job with their education early days. They are very hard to get past and that was displayed today.”