In a display of perfect timing, jockey Justin Huxtable made the most of a golden opportunity aboard the promising two-year-old Zip Lock, steering him to a decisive victory in the Group 3 B J McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The win has catapulted the colt right into the heart of calculations for next month's rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
A Perfect Ride Seals the Deal
Sent out as the $3.20 second favourite, Zip Lock began brilliantly from the gates for the 1200-metre contest. Huxtable, standing in for the suspended Martin Harley, quickly positioned the son of Hellbent in an ideal spot, travelling third and one-off the rail.
The race dynamics shifted when the short-priced favourite, Tornado Valley ($1.80), was caught wide. As that rival improved to challenge around the home turn, Huxtable expertly angled his mount into clear running room. Once given the signal, Zip Lock accelerated powerfully, surging to the front with 200 metres left to run.
Although Tornado Valley loomed as a threat, Zip Lock found another gear, dashing away to win by a comfortable length and three-quarters. The performance was both authoritative and professional, marking him as a serious juvenile talent.
Making Hay While the Sun Shines
For towering jockey Justin Huxtable, the victory was a bittersweet triumph. He acknowledged the ride was his only due to Harley's bad luck with a suspension. "It was my gain out of Martin’s unfortunate circumstances," Huxtable said post-race. "The conversations were had before the race; it’s Martin’s horse and he’ll probably retain the ride for the Magic Millions."
Co-trainer Chris Munce, who prepares Zip Lock with his son Corey, was full of praise for the fill-in hoop. "Justin knows that unfortunately he’s got to make hay while the sun shines," Munce stated. "He’s as good a rider as there is anywhere, I think. It’s just unfortunate that his height and weight are going to slow him down and he’s probably only got a limited time in the saddle."
Magic Millions Dreams Now a Reality
The victory has fundamentally altered the immediate plans for Zip Lock. Munce admitted the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast was not originally the primary target. "I said to the owners that I never really put much emphasis on the Magic Millions because I thought with a bit of time, he’d make a lovely three-year-old," Munce revealed.
However, the colt's dominant display and thriving condition have forced a rethink. "Obviously now with the way he ran today, and he’s thriving in the stable, we’ll go there," Munce confirmed. The win saw Zip Lock's Magic Millions price slashed, and he is now a $7 third favourite for the lucrative January feature.
Munce highlighted the horse's key strength, noting his ability to "absorb high-race pressure," a crucial asset for the frenetic Magic Millions event. While Huxtable will reluctantly hand the reins back to Martin Harley for that day, his masterful ride at Eagle Farm has ensured Zip Lock will head to the Gold Coast as one of the most talked-about contenders.
