Aided by a rails hugging ride by Stephanie Thornton, Proven Thoroughbreds two-year-old filly Gotta Kiss fought off a stubborn challenge from runner-up Lady Banff in Saturday’s $125,000 Basil Nolan Junior Two-Year-Old (1000m) at Eagle Farm, booking her ticket to the Magic Millions 2yo Classic.
In a race run at a frantic pace, the daughter of Not A Single Doubt did not blink in taking an inside run and was strong to the line.
“She got a beautiful run through in the straight when it opened up and she will be suited by 1200 metres now,” Thornton said.
“It was a bit messy early when the horses out wide came over, but she travelled up beautifully and did the rest for me.”
Trainer Steve O’Dea believes the filly still has improvement in her.
“She got a little hot in the yard today, she is still probably a little bit new so the run will bring her on and I’m very much looking forward to getting her to 1200m,” he said.
“She had three weeks off and did really well. She’s not an overly big filly but she put on good weight while she was out.
“She’s just a real little professional. She’s shown good ability from the get-go and has never let us down so it’s pretty exciting going to the Millions.”
Purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds/Steven O’Dea for $150,000 out of the Yarraman Park Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Gotta Kiss advances her record to two wins and a second from three starts with earnings of $129,550.
Bred by Gall Bloodstock, she is the first foal of the stakes-placed winner Sweet Kiss, who was purchased for $240,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale when carrying Gotta Kiss.
Yarraman Park will consign a half-sister to Gotta Kiss by I Am Invincible at the upcoming Magic Millions as Lot 834.
From the family of dual Group 1 winner Skyjack, Sweet Kiss has a filly foal by I Am Invincible.
