Torque To Be Sure finally shed his maiden status in dramatic fashion, holding off a late challenge and surviving a protest to claim victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas.

The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding had to withstand a tense stewards’ inquiry after drifting across the track late in the race, checking the fast-finishing favourite Ninja during the final 150 metres.

After jumping from a wide gate, Ninja ($1.55) was forced to make his run down the centre of the track, while Ben Melham guided Torque To Be Sure ($13) into a narrow gap before shifting several horses off their line.

Stewards determined that although Ninja was inconvenienced by around half a length, the ¾-length winning margin was sufficient to dismiss the protest.

The son of Shamus Award had previously placed five times from 11 starts and took his career earnings to $1.9 million with the breakthrough victory.

Trainer Matthew Dunn admitted the celebrations were briefly put on hold as the protest played out.

“I think we had a fair margin,” Dunn said.

Melham admitted the colt was still learning his craft.

“He’s not an easy horse to ride,” Melham said.

“He went off the track a little bit but he was pretty good today. I ended up in a sweet spot and on the back-up it really helped him over the 1400 metres.

“He was pretty dominant. Not a bad effort for a maidener. The ability was never the issue, but it is good to see him break through in this race today.”

Torque To Be Sure was purchased for $260,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Markets for the feature were popular with punters using leading Australian betting sites throughout the carnival.

The post Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest first appeared on Just Horse Racing.