In a performance that has racing fans buzzing, the promising two-year-old Unit Five has secured his place in one of Australia's most prestigious juvenile races with a commanding debut victory at Caulfield.
A Commanding Debut Victory
Sent out as the $2.70 favourite with jockey Thomas Stockdale in the saddle, the Ciaron Maher-trained colt delivered in style. Unit Five took out the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic over 1100 metres on Saturday, winning by an impressive 2-¼ lengths. The runner-up was Ko Phangan ($41), with Invincible Son ($6) a further 1-¼ lengths back in third place.
This victory is far more than just a debut win; it serves as a golden ticket. The success officially qualifies Unit Five for the rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast, scheduled for January 17.
A Fitting Tribute and a Promising Prospect
The horse carries a name rich with sentiment. Unit Five is named in honour of David Merricks, the former stud manager at Widden Stud who passed away a year ago after more than three decades of service. His legacy now gallops on the track.
Trainer Ciaron Maher could not hide his delight at the colt's rapid progression. "I'm just rapt in the horse's progression," Maher said. He noted the team's confidence was boosted by a sharp 800m jump-out win at Cranbourne just days earlier, on Monday. "We normally wouldn't trial them that close, but he seems to find things easy."
Stable Strength and Future Plans
Maher praised his team, highlighting that Unit Five represents their fourth pre-Christmas two-year-old winner this season. "The system is working very well... at this time of year, the two-year-olds is what it's all about," he added.
While the stable already has Tornado Valley aimed at the Magic Millions race—likely to be their top seed—Maher firmly believes Unit Five has earned his chance. "I can see no reason why Unit Five... could not head to the Gold Coast and be competitive," he stated.
The immediate plan is to see how the horse recovers, with a potential Sydney run to keep him on track for the January feature. Maher was particularly impressed with the colt's demeanour, saying, "He's just so professional and I loved the way he presented and behaved himself in the yard. He was very calm behind the gates."
Jockey's Praise for a 'Raw' Talent
Jockey Thomas Stockdale, who also partnered Unit Five in the Cranbourne jump-out, was equally optimistic. "I didn't let him off the chain too much at Cranbourne bearing in mind this was a possibility," Stockdale revealed.
He was thrilled to see the colt show a new dimension on race day. "It was great to see him extend off the bridle, which I hadn't seen before, and he will improve," Stockdale said. While noting the horse is still "very raw" and "looky," the jockey concluded, "he has the natural talent to progress into a nice horse."
With this emphatic win, Unit Five has not only paid a perfect tribute to his namesake but has also announced himself as a serious contender for the multi-million dollar Magic Millions showdown on the Gold Coast this summer.
