A dazzling debut performance by Refusetobeenglish sparks trainer Clinton McDonald’s aspirations for the $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight, as the promising three-year-old gelding showcases immense potential on the racetrack.
Cranbourne saw the rise of a potential star on Saturday, as Refusetobeenglish made a stunning debut, sparking trainer Clinton McDonald’s aspirations for the forthcoming $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight. The three-year-old gelding, who was purchased for $NZ120,000 at a New Zealand ready-to-run sale last year, has already recovered a considerable part of his purchase price, and his impressive 3½-length win in the Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix Handicap indicates that there is much more to come.
In contrast to the conventional Magic Millions races, the Sunlight operates on a slot-based system, allowing participation beyond just the company’s yearling graduates. McDonald quickly made his intentions clear by extending an invitation to slot-holders following Saturday’s victory. “We have some excellent three-year-olds, and he ranks among the best. He’s an exciting horse with all the qualities needed to be top-class,” McDonald stated. “Should the chance present itself, we would be delighted to aim for the Sunlight.”
Jockey Ben Melham was instrumental in the impressive debut of Refusetobeenglish. Weighing in at 54.5kg, Melham’s confidence in the gelding was reinforced during a gallop on Tuesday at Cranbourne’s main track, where Refusetobeenglish showcased his abilities against an older competitor. "That workout really heightened my confidence," Melham remarked. "He had a smooth run during the race, and as we approached the home turn, I felt completely assured."
Refusetobeenglish's remarkable performance also confirmed a notable shift in betting, as his odds dropped sharply from $8 earlier in the week to $4.20 on the day of the race. The event highlighted his significant potential, as he assertively surpassed the favorite, Romani Ite Domum, along the straight and managed to fend off a strong late challenge from Stormbourg, who surged impressively to clinch a well-deserved third place in the closing moments.
Having achieved an impressive debut, McDonald is thoughtfully considering his options to ensure the gelding’s ongoing development. A brief break could enable Refusetobeenglish to further mature and reach peak performance at the appropriate moment, yet the appeal of the $3 million Sunlight—set for January 10—remains highly enticing. “It’s about finding the ideal balance between allowing him the time to grow and taking advantage of the right opportunities as they come,” McDonald shared with a sense of optimism.
As the excitement from an unforgettable opener at Cranbourne subsides, the racing community will certainly monitor Refusetobeenglish's promising path with great interest. His debut highlighted not only his innate talent but also a remarkable composure and professionalism, indicating that even greater successes await him. The Sunlight presents an appealing prospect, providing a prime opportunity to establish his reputation as a formidable contender in the competitive world of Australian racing.
