Hardy Queensland galloper I'm A Rippa lived up to his name with a tenacious win in the $1 million Racing Queensland Magic Millions QTIS Open (1300m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Tony Gollan's gelding began brilliantly from an outside barrier (14) to cross his rivals, making all for jockey Stephen Baster before stealing a winning margin on the turn.
I'm A Rippa ($7) staved off a late challenge from runner-up Secret Trail ($11), with She's Miss Divine ($13) holding on for third under Jamie Kah. (photo Magic Millions )
The win continued a stellar season for Baster who said I'm A Ripper had filled him with confidence from the moment he was legged aboard the galloper in the mounting yard.
"He's tough and he put confidence in me from the moment I got on him because he was really relaxed and he felt strong," Baster said.
"I thought he was going to be a real chance today and to his credit he held on well.
"Obviously Tony and the team have got him looking fantastic and I'm just thrilled to get on and get the job done.
"I'm having a fantastic year and the horses just seem to keep running for me."
Gollan purchased the son of Love Conquers All for $55,000 at the 2015 Magic Million Gold Coast March Yearling Sale and said he represented the fairytale narrative the Magic Millions can provide owners.
The victory was the fifth of I'm A Rippa's 21-start career and took his earnings above $800,000.
"You buy a horse like this for not a lot of money and you can dream to come back to a race day like this," Gollan said.
"We gave him a flukers chance today because he makes his own luck and he's just a really tough and courageous little horse."
"He's not the best horse I've trained but he's a real tough little fellow."
Eureka Stud will offer Lot 915 (Love Conquers All – Derippa), the full sister to I'm A Ripper, through the ring on Sunday.
Magic Millions
