Miss Ostend to begin journey to Magic Millions in Canberra

She is a filly that has shown glimpses of her immense talent and Trainer Norm Gardner thinks her best is yet to come. As a two-year-old Miss Ostend, a daughter of Zoustar, just missed out on black-type placings with brilliant fourths in the Listed Magic Millions 2YO (1100m) at Wyong and then her local feature, the Group 3 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m). 

She has been seen twice at the races as a three-year-old with runs behind a couple of fast ones in Paulele and subsequent Coolmore Classic (1200m) winner Home Affairs. After a nice 12-week break, and an impressive 9.2 length trial win at Thoroughbred Park on 26 November, Miss Ostend will resume in this Sunday’s TAB Federal (1000m) on a path to the riches of the Magic Millions.  

Trainer Norm Gardner is bullish about his filly’s chances first-up. 

“She couldn’t be better here.” Gardner said. “She’s a City class horse already and she has improved two or three lengths on her last preparation.” 

“We’re looking to bolster her prize money with the intention of getting her into a race on the Gold Coast at the Magic Millions, most likely the Fillies & Mares (1300m) race.” 

Gardner has also accepted with Miss Ostend in Saturday’s TAB Highway (1000m) at Royal Randwick but as fourth emergency, Gardner thinks she is unlikely to get a start. 

“The TAB Highway is the obvious option given the amount of prize money at stake but as fourth emergency it looks like she’ll go around at her home track, which certainly isn’t a bad thing.” Gardner said. 

While Miss Ostend looks the one to beat in Sunday’s TAB Federal, she will line up against a number of local speedsters who will look to pinch it over the 1000m. Luke Pepper’s Affinity Beyond is one of the fastest mares around while Matthew Dale’s Calescent and latest stable addition Golden Gorge are both City performed.  

The TAB Federal is Race Seven on Sunday’s card at Thoroughbred Park with the gates set to crash back at 5pm. 

 

Image: Miss Ostend (Orange & Black silks) finishing fourth in the 2021 John McGrath Auto Group Black Opal Stakes (1200m). Photo credit: Bradley Photos