Meryl Wins the Group3 BJ McLachlan Stakes at Doomben

Sydney filly Meryl lived up to her strong trial form when she burst into Magic Millions Classic contention with a win in the $200,000 Group Thee B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben.

Meryl ($8) looks a real chance of becoming the first horse since Unencumbered in 2014 to win the McLachlan Magic Millions Classic double.

Ridden a clever race by Christian Reith, Meryl steamed home to beat Hopes Eternal ($10) by three-quarters of a length with a neck to Witherspoon ($6.50) in third.

Meryl was a $150,000 buy at the Magic Millions from the draft of Riversdale Farm and has now lifted her prize money to $131,000 which is more than enough to make the Classic field on January 13.