Boom Time to join exodus to the Gold Coast

Boom Time has become the third Flemington winner to press claims for a trip to the Gold Coast for the rich Magic Millions meeting.

Hijack Hussy and Miss Wonderful stamped their credentials earlier on Saturday’s program while Boom Time showed his staying credentials with victory in the Skipton Handicap.

Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig said the stable was considering the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) on January 14 after the 2500m win rather than the $150,000 Bagot Handicap (2800m) on New Year’s Day.

Ridden by apprentice Regan Bayliss, Boom Time ($3.60) scored by 1-1/4 lengths from Lord Van Percy ($4.80) with Four Carat ($12) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

Boom Time was having his fourth start for Lindsay Park after doing his early racing in Perth with Trevor Andrews before a brief campaign with Peter Moody.

The five-year-old spent more than a year out of racing with a strained tendon and was transferred to Lindsay Park after Moody stepped away from racing in March.

“He does a lot of his work at the farm, working on the hills and the water walker,” Dabernig said.

“We’ve got him fit and he’s got a big V8 engine under the bonnet.

“With the Magic Millions so close I think we’ll head straight there.

“We did consider a race in Sydney en route but we think we’ll keep him in his own backyard and just make the one trip with him.”

Dabernig had concerns with Boom Time working hard early in the race, but once he was able to get cover felt more comfortable..

“He makes his own luck as he can sit forward in a race and he’s a big tough horse,” Dabernig said.

“I’m sure he’ll be able the take the trip up north.”