Arrestar stakes claims for Magic Millions

Things didn’t go exactly to plan, but nicely bred two-year-old Arrestar has added another piece to the early Magic Millions puzzle at Eagle Farm.

Arrestar ($3.80 into $3) gave trainer Matt Dunn a two-state double in the space of 15 minutes when he beat Clairvue ($8.50) by a half length.

Dunn had been confident Arrestar would be hard to beat on the strength of his recent trials but was surprised when the colt did not lead.

“They went a bit faster than I had expected but Robbie (jockey Fradd) is very experienced and he got into a nice spot in third behind the pace,” Dunn said.

“I was very impressed with the way Arrestar kept coming in the straight and we have a pretty good two year old here.”

Arrestar, who is by Blue Diamond and Coolmore Stakes winner Star Witness, cost $110,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales and will now be set for the 2YO Classic in January.

“He will probably need to win another race to be certain of making the field with the prize money hikes in Sydney,” Dunn said.

The colt is raced by a syndicate which includes Phil Jacobson who has had many good horses over the years.

“I bought Arrestar and syndicated him. Phil took a share in all of the syndicate horses and they race in his colours,” Dunn said.

His smart galloper Delightful Feeling continued Dunn’s good run in Highway Series in Sydney when he won at Rosehill 15 minutes earlier.

“They were both good strong wins and its always nice to have winners in two centres,” he said.

Trainer Liam Birchley is also looking at the Magic Millions with Clairvue who was in front 100m to go.

“He will be fitter for that,” said jockey Jim Orman.