Bubba’s Bay displayed her trademark grit and tactical speed to capture the $200,000 Magic Millions Nudgee Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, December 28, earning her place in the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares (1300m) in a fortnight.
Trained by Kris Lees and ridden by Andrew Mallyon, the five-year-old mare held off late challengers to claim a determined victory at $11 odds with Neds bookmaker.
Jumping from a wide draw, Bubba’s Bay positioned herself just outside the early leader, Black on Beauty, demonstrating her usual tactical brilliance.
Turning into the straight, Mallyon urged her forward, and despite the strong finishes from Midnight in Tokyo and Shalaa’s Moment, Bubba’s Bay dug deep to secure her 11th career victory.
2024 Listed Nudgee Stakes Replay – Bubba’s Bay
“She’s just incredibly tough,” Mallyon said post-race.
“I had a plan to sort of sit outside the leader. A couple more kicked up underneath, but the speed sort of settled down really quickly. So I was able to have a really good break, and nothing came to me on the corner, so I was even able to nurse her right into the straight. She’s bulletproof.”
Stable representative Mandy spoke glowingly of the mare’s adaptability and love for Queensland racing.
“She’s a winner through and through,” Mandy said.
“She’s got tactical speed, toughness, and she can do it the tough way. She can lead, she can take the trail, and most importantly, she’s always in for the fight. She’s just a legend.”
Reflecting on Bubba’s Bay’s routine, Mandy added, “She loves it at home, and sometimes we take her to the beach. We haven’t been recently, but we’ll be taking her now. She’ll love it.”
The ownership group, typically absent on race day, is expected to make the trip for the Magic Millions.
“The owners are based down south, but they’ve been up here before, and I’m sure they’ll come for Magic Millions,” Mandy said.
With her 12th victory from 26 starts, including five wins at the Gold Coast, Bubba’s Bay has firmly cemented herself as one of Queensland’s most reliable racehorses.
Her adaptability and resilience were on full display at Eagle Farm, and she now looks forward to taking on the best in the Fillies & Mares race in January. Currently, none of the leading horse racing bookmakers have odds available for the race..
“She’ll be looking for it,” Mandy said of the Magic Millions.
“She’s unbelievable, and we’ll look after her. She’s done a great job.”
Midnight in Tokyo and Shalaa’s Moment both delivered strong performances to fill the minor placings, but it was Bubba’s Bay’s tactical brilliance and fighting spirit that made her the standout.
Horse racing news