Cousins looks to Magic Millions

By Glenn Davis

Hobby trainer Craig Cousins is hoping The Inflictor can claim another fairytale result to win a wildcard entry into the Magic Millions QTIS feature at the Gold Coast next month.

The Inflictor won a golden ticket into next year’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap when he won the $300,000 The Gateway at Eagle Farm earlier this month.

The four-year-old is a homebred and never went through the Magic Millions sales.

But, he can win a wildcard into the $1.5 million Magic Millions QTIS race on January 11 if he wins the QTIS Benchmark 85 Handicap at the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

A lot of water will flow under the bridge in the next six months before Cousins decides if The Inflictor takes his place in the 2025 Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm so his immediate focus is on the Magic Millions.

“The Stradbroke is a fair way off but it’s my intention to have a go at the Stradbroke with him at this stage,” Cousins said.

“But, I’m a realist and if he doesn’t look like he will measure up to the grade then we can sell his Stradbroke slot to someone else.

“If he wins this race on Thursday, he’ll run in the Magic Millions QTIS race and if he doesn’t he’ll spell.”

Cousins has been training since 1996 and drives a truck for a living.

He has three horses in work.

He has a half-sister by Worthy Cause to his former galloper Conquer The Stars.

Cousins expects a strong showing from The Inflictor, who is owned in a syndicate managed by Kurt Turner, the eldest son of the late trainer and breeder Ken “Tubby” Turner.

"Tubby" Turner was a larrikin in his era and trained many top horses including Lion Hunter and Just Awesome. 

“The Inflictor had a week out on the water walker at Kolora Stud straight after his Gateway win,” Cousins said.

“He pulled up in great order the next day and he’s only been back in work for about 10 days since he came in from a short break.

“His work has been great since he returned and I think he’s going to be very hard to beat again.”

Last season’s premier apprentice Cejay Graham has retained the ride for his Sunshine Coast assignment.