Gai Excited About Prospects of First Adelaide Millions Runner

Tuesday, 11 February 2003 00:00

History will be made next Wednesday when Gai Waterhouse saddles up her first runner in the Channel Seven Adelaide Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at Morphettville.

A multiple winner of the race on the Gold Coast with Assertive Lad and Excellerator, Gai is yet to have a runner in South Australia's richest race, but that will all end next week.

Waterhouse confirmed from the Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne that Sunday's impressive debut winner at Wyong, In Flames was being sent to South Australia.

"It's funny because it looked as though I wouldn't have a runner in the race after I sent Spur Me On out for a break after his third in Sydney," Waterhouse said. "But this filly has come right into contention with her win."

Purchased at the 2002 Magic Millions Premier Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast for $35,000 by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds, the filly is by the former star international galloper and promising sire Spectrum.

"She's a lovely filly but has taken a little while to mature," Waterhouse said. "But she bolted in at Wyong and by all accounts she has pulled up perfectly."

"I think she's got exceptional ability with plenty of potential and she's a lovely type," Waterhouse added.

Meanwhile, Waterhouse reported that the quality sprinting mare Libidinious had been sent home to Sydney for a freshen up after an unplaced effort at Flemington last start.

The mare, a Group One performer for the Alan Bailey stable last preparation, was scheduled to start in Saturday's Group Two Swettenham Stud Stakes at Morphettville.

"We will have to miss that race now," Waterhouse said. "It's disappointing but she is a real talent and races best fresh. There are still plenty of good wins left in her."

PIC - Quentin Lang.