Ciaron Maher struggled to think of a more satisfying win in his career after Away Game won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
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All week Maher, who co-trains with David Eustace and has a base in Miners Rest, had been predicting Away Game was ready to fire on the big stage but his claims were ignored by most.
Despite starting at $41, Away Game won like an odds-on favourite beating Stellar Pauline ($17) by 1-3/4 lengths with a half length to Conceited ($9) in third in the $2 million race over 1200m.
Away Game cost $425,000 and is yet another daughter of super sire Snitzel to win a major race.
Not only Away Game earn $1.16 million in prize money but she also picked up $325,000 in a women's owners bonus.
Maher said it was a thrill as the filly seemed to be ignored in Millions discussions despite her comprehensive win in the listed Calaway Gal at her previous start.
"I really believed on her trackwork she was ready to fire in this race," Maher said.
"I am a bit lost for words which is unusual for me. I feel a bit weird and don't really know how to describe it.
"It is certainly one of the most satisfying moments of my career."
Maher said Away Game might press on to the autumn for the Golden Slipper but a decision wouldn't be made until he had time to assess the win.
"She has already won a Listed race and now she is a Magic Millions winner," he said.
The Maher-Eustace team also won the $250,000 Magic Millions Quality (1800m) with Etana.