Transatlantic continued his impressive form with a powerful win in the $300,000 Magic Millions Buffering Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, December 28.
Trained by Tony Gollan and ridden confidently by Ryan Maloney, the four-year-old gelding stamped himself as a serious winter carnival contender, edging out Robusto and Sofrado in a commanding display.
Jumping cleanly from barrier nine, Transatlantic settled midfield, tracking the early pace set by Rothfire.
As the field turned for home, Maloney made his move, steering the Snitzel gelding wide to challenge the leaders.
Transatlantic surged past Robusto and held off a late run from Sofrado to secure victory in a slick 1:21.09 on a Good 3 track, with the top online bookmakers paying $3.60.
Magic Millions Buffering Replay – Transatlantic
Gollan was thrilled with the performance, noting Transatlantic’s progression since being gelded.
“He’s a really good horse,” Gollan said.
“As a young colt, he probably would’ve been better off having the cut earlier, but he’s always shown me good ability. He’s matured into a lovely looking animal, and he’s proving it on the track now. I felt he was going just as well, if not better, than horses I’ve had here before, and I’m super happy with him.”
The win marked back-to-back victories for Transatlantic after his success at Eagle Farm the previous Saturday.
Gollan is now focused on boosting the gelding’s rating for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap during the winter carnival.
“That’s my sole purpose now, to get him in that race,” Gollan said.
“He’s out of an Oaks winner, Gust of Wind, so he’s got a great pedigree, and he’s just a good quality horse. I’ve always thought he was a Stradbroke type.”
Jockey Ryan Maloney praised Transatlantic’s professionalism and adaptability.
“He was fit and ready, so I decided to get him going earlier than usual,” Maloney said.
“He’s always possessed good ability, and now, as a gelding, he’s putting it all together. Today’s win just enhances his credentials going forward. Hopefully, he’s Stradbroke-bound one day.”
Robusto, a proven performer, fought on gamely to secure second place, with Sofrado producing a strong inside run to take third. Rothfire, who had set a controlled tempo early, faded late to finish fourth.
With six wins from 14 starts and career earnings of $579,800, Transatlantic is building a strong record.
His recent performances have solidified his status as a leading contender for Queensland’s premier winter carnival races, with Gollan and his team brimming with confidence.
“He’s carnival-bound for sure,” Gollan said.
“Patience is a virtue, and this horse is proving that in spades. He’s got everything going for him.”
As Transatlantic gears up for his next assignments, his connections can look forward to an exciting winter campaign, with the Stradbroke Handicap firmly in sight, with Neds offering $21 for him to secure his first Group 1 win.
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