Grafterburners announced himself as a colt of genuine class with a decisive victory in the Magic Millions Sunlight on Saturday night, delivering a performance that combined composure, acceleration, and authority under the lights at the Gold Coast.
Trained by Kelly Schweida, the three-year-old showed both tactical speed and maturity in the $3 million, 1100-metre feature, settling perfectly just behind the early pace after jumping cleanly from gate two. The Magic Millions Sunlight has quickly established itself as a race that reveals elite sprinting talent, and Grafterburners’ display suggested he belongs comfortably in that company.
The tempo was genuine throughout, and for a brief moment in the straight, the colt’s passage appeared uncertain as runners shifted around him. James McDonald remained patient, edging to the inside when space opened. Once balanced, Grafterburners lengthened impressively, reeled in the leader, and surged clear to score by 1.55 lengths in a sharp time of 1:02.22.
The win marked his sixth success from 12 starts and extended his winning sequence to four, pushing his career earnings beyond the $2 million mark. It was a performance built on efficiency rather than extravagance, the hallmark of a horse still climbing toward his ceiling.
Magic Millions Sunlight Confirms a Rising Star
Grafterburners also added another chapter to a remarkable story that began at the yearling sales. Bred at Canning Downs, he was secured for $70,000 and has since returned that investment many times over. He led home a familiar pairing, with Nashville Jack finishing second, echoing a result that highlighted the strength of that particular crop.
His success followed a path set twelve months earlier when Private Harry captured the inaugural running of the same race, underlining the contest’s growing importance as a proving ground for high-end speed.
For owner Glenn Betts, the victory carried both financial and personal resonance. A former jockey and trainer, Betts has enjoyed a long association with Schweida, and their collaboration has consistently delivered results built on sound judgment and patience.
That partnership previously produced El Morzillo, another standout performer whose victories have lifted her earnings beyond seven figures. Together, the pair’s carefully selected purchases have amassed more than $3 million in prize money, all while carrying Betts’ distinctive orange silks with the purple cap.
Betts was understandably delighted after Grafterburners’ latest success, describing the colt as a reward for measured decision-making rather than lavish spending.
He credited Schweida’s attention to detail and the horse’s temperament, noting the colt’s strong pedigree and natural speed as key factors in his development. Quiet and unassuming at home, Grafterburners has consistently shown his ability when it matters most on race day.
McDonald, who partnered the colt to perfection, was equally complimentary, praising both the horse’s professionalism and the preparation behind him.
“He was presented in outstanding order,” the rider said. “He travelled beautifully, took his position, and when asked, he gave everything. He’s a very good colt.”
Earlier in the day, the theme of emerging quality continued at Flemington, where Bjorn Baker’s sprinter Disneck delivered a powerful finish to claim the Group 3 Standish Handicap over 1200 metres.
Settling toward the rear from a wide draw, Disneck was angled into clear running before the turn. Once in the open, he quickly asserted himself, striking the front at the 200-metre mark and pulling away to win by 1.75 lengths.
The five-year-old has now recorded eight career victories and continues to reward the patience shown in his development. Behind him, Extratwo filled second place, while Contemporary completed a clean sweep of the minor honours, rounding out a day that showcased depth, durability, and smart horsemanship across two states.
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