Unit Five delivered a stunning performance to claim the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, defying his lack of experience to outclass a high-quality field.

Ridden perfectly by Thomas Stockdale, the son of Supido proved too strong late, holding off stablemate Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just a short half-head away in third.

The colt had gone into the race with just one career start to his name — an impressive debut victory at Caulfield — but showed no signs of inexperience in the $3 million feature.

Purchased for just $80,000 as a yearling, the win catapulted his career earnings beyond $1.8 million and confirmed him as one of the most exciting young horses in the country.

Trainer Ciaron Maher credited his wider team, particularly his brother Declan, for the victory.

“It all comes down to your team and your staff,” Maher said.

“My brother Dec, it has been fantastic for him to have a stable here and let me stay in it and utilise his staff and his knowledge. A lot of credit has to go to him.”

Maher said he was never worried about the colt’s lack of race experience.

“History is history, it is just about presenting the horse,” he said.

“They are only very young and still on the up.”

Stockdale, who had partnered the colt in his debut win, was again entrusted with the ride.

“Tommy Stockdale, unbelievable. Beautiful ride, he made the right choices,” Maher said.

“I said to Tom that he probably knows the horse better than I do.”

The win held added meaning for Stockdale, who is awaiting the arrival of his first child.

“My wife back home, she’s heavily pregnant with our first child,” Stockdale said.

“I’ll be home soon baby. Let’s just hope she wasn’t jumping around too much.”

Punters following the race were able to find strong value markets through leading Australian betting sites ahead of the feature.

The post Unit Five powers home in Magic Millions Classic first appeared on Just Horse Racing.