Fashion Legend has earned his spot in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas according to co-trainer Richard Freedman with a third win in succession, the latest in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) at Doomben.
Fashion Legend ($18) outgunned the favourite, and Tony Gollan-trained, Count Da Beans to the line in somewhat of a boilover with the pre-race conversations surrounding the latter and the third-placed second-favourite Stroll.
“I was never worried that he couldn’t match it with them on ability,” Freedman said.
“He’s come off strong provincial form in New South Wales and then won two in Brisbane before this and did it the hard way last time, too.”
Freedman believes that the three-year-old gelding by Deep Field has “earned his spot” in the $2 million Listed Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1425m) on January 14 and goes there with stable confidence, though Richard admits that luck is often required to win around the Gold Coast circuit.
Jockey Ben Thompson said that luck was still required starting from barrier five in this event.
“He’s obviously shown that he’s not a one trick pony,” Thompson said.
“He’s run on well from the back in his New South Wales provincial form, he’s beaten older horses two weeks ago at Eagle Farm and he’s backed it up again beating some of the best three-year-olds we’ve seen up here this season.
“He’s a cracker and if he takes his place in the Millions Guineas in two weeks, he is a force to be reckoned with.”
Fashion Legend, who was perhaps the omen of the week with the recent passing of luxury designer Vivienne Westwood, won by a head over Count Da Beans ($2.20 favourite) with a further length to Stroll ($3.10).
Fashion Legend is rated a $26 chance at betr.com.au for the 3yo Guineas with Russian Conquest the $5 favourite.