West of Africa let loose with a stunning turn of foot from the rear of the field to deny Charm Stone in a thrilling $1 million Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on Friday night.
Just when the Victorian mare looked destined for victory under Damian Lane, the flashy son of Not A Single Doubt stormed down the middle of the track and claimed the lead inside the final 50m.
It was a coveted win for trainer Annabel Neasham, who was given the horse to train after he was bought for $340,000 by Tony Fung Investments and Phoenix Thoroughbreds out of the Edinburgh Park draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
West of Africa changed hands when OTI Racing purchased him as a tried horse on Neasham’s recommendation. The five-year-old has now won six races and more than $1.4 million in prizemoney
The trainer admitted she had doubts about the gelding’s chances from barrier 18, although Schiller remained confident.
“My flight was a bit delayed but it didn’t matter whether I was here or not, as long as Tyler was here to give him that steer, that was all the mattered,” Neasham said.
“We drew the carpark but Tyler is the most positive jockey there is, he came out and said that he loved the draw for the horse.
“He flopped out the back and I was a little bit worried that he was a bit detached but he’s just got a fantastic turn of foot.”
It was a second win on the night for Schiller, who earlier landed the Queensland Magic Millions Subzero on Encoder.
He said West of Africa enjoyed the solid tempo in the race.
“I love this horse,” Schiller said.
“He’s done a great job for me.
“He’s defied the pattern today, coming from last down the middle of the track.
“I was out the back and I knew that we were going quick enough.
“I said to Annabel before the race, if we’re midfield, three-deep with cover then we’re probably not going awfully quick but we were out the back, not chasing along, but I was definitely in a nice, off-the-bridle rhythm.
“When he started to pick up at the 600m, I just let him take me there, around the outside and he did the rest.”
Ironically, Sheamus Mills, who is the managing owner of Charm Stone, paid $1.25 million for the Snitzel half-sister to West of Africa at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
