If Dragonne Rouge can take out the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic on Friday night at the Gold Coast, it won’t be Shaun Dwyer’s first Magic Millions win, but it would mark a special milestone — his first million-dollar race victory.
The veteran trainer, now based at the Sunshine Coast, won the Magic Millions Classic with Regimental Gal in 2003, back when the race was yet to reach its seven-figure status. That filly went on to win Group 1s like the Black Caviar Lightning and William Reid Stakes, long before they offered their current prize money.
Though Dwyer has trained horses that contested major races — including Miss Leonidas, narrowly beaten by Nature Strip in a $1m Moir Stakes — he admits that opportunities in million-dollar races have been rare.
“I don’t think I’ve had too many runners in million-dollar races,” he said. “I’m very happy to be taking her to the races on Friday night.”
Dragonne Rouge, a $25,000 purchase, represents a meaningful connection. She’s a full sister to French Blaze, a colt Dwyer’s friend Andrew Williamson rated highly before tragically losing him to colic. Williamson, stepping away from training, passed the opportunity to buy Dragonne Rouge to Dwyer and her owners.
“These are the same guys who owned that colt,” Dwyer said. “It was really gifted through Andrew recommending me to these owners of his.”
Dragonne Rouge’s dam is Mondeuse, a daughter of Star Shiraz, who was a Group 1 winner of the Queensland Sires’ Produce Stakes and placed at elite level in both the Coolmore Classic and J J Atkins.
Dragonne Rouge has already built an impressive resume. She debuted with a win at the Sunshine Coast in March, followed that up with a city victory at Doomben, and then captured the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes over 1200m at Eagle Farm.
Originally pointed toward the JJ Atkins, Dwyer decided the National 2YO Classic — now in just its second year — was a smarter target given the timing and the filly’s maturity.
“The more I looked at it, the more I thought it was a good option,” Dwyer said. “I couldn’t be happier with her.”
Andrew Mallyon takes the ride, and Dragonne Rouge has drawn well in barrier six, with rivals including Prince Tycoon, Amosu, and Sisstainable adding to a strong 12-horse field with five emergencies.
For the latest odds on the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic and other feature races, visit Australia’s best betting sites.