Jonker races to Magic Millions favouritism

Newcastle colt Jonker has rocketed to the head of the market for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic after disposing of his rivals with ease in the lead-up at Wyong.

The David Atkins-trained two-year-old was sent out at $4 in Thursday’s 1100m-race and sat outside the leader, Adelaide visitor La Pomme De Pin ($5) until the top of the straight.

Aaron Bullock sent Jonker to the lead and he showed an explosive turn of foot to put 4-1/4 lengths on Skyray ($21) with Bondi ($3,70) making ground to run a close third.

Favourite Terminology ($3.60) was fourth after blowing the start while La Pomme De Pin finished sixth of the seven runners.

The TAB immediately elevated Jonker to $3.50 favouritism ahead of another son of first season sire Spirit Of Boom, Ef Troop, at $4.60 for the Classic at the Gold Coast on January 13.

“He was suited by the way the race was run,” Atkins told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“The leader is a free-running horse and he (Jonker) was travelling better.

“It’s great for the owners and this horse will have no trouble with the 1200 metres at the Gold Coast.”

The Hawkes Racing-trained Wild Heart cemented his place in the $2 million Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast with his win in the Wyong race for three and four-year-olds.

Wild Heart ($6) overhauled Single Bullet ($3.90) who looked certain to win after he went past the leader Arbeitsam ($2.25 fav).

Single Bullet’s trainer Gary Portelli said the result meant the Group Three winner would not make the trip to Queensland.

“He didn’t run out a solid six furlongs (1200m) so I wouldn’t take him all the way up there for 1400,” Portelli told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“I think he’s going to be a lot better horse in six months time. He’s still developing so we’ll have a little freshen-up now and contemplate a few races in the autumn.

“It’s important to get as many as you can in when they’re three. As soon as they turn four or five, especially a colt, they could be all gone.

“While he’s sound and racing well we’ll find another race for him.”

Wild Heart has firmed from $51 to $15 for the Guineas (1400m).