The Richard and Chantelle Jolly trained Virtual Illusion kept his unbeaten record intact on Murray Bridge Cup Day, making it two wins from as many starts with another impressive performance.
The talented three-year-old Zousain gelding came from the tail of the field, unleashing a strong turn of foot to hit the front at the 100-metre mark and hold off the second favourite Golden Horizon.
The win also marked a career milestone for Apprentice Caitlyn Munro, who notched her first metropolitan victory aboard the promising youngster.
“He was too strong. He’s a really nice horse and he can improve off that again,” Munro said post-race.
The Jolly stable has long held a good opinion of Virtual Illusion, believing time and patience would see him develop into a genuine racehorse.
“He’s a real racehorse — he just does everything right,” said James Jolly.
Purchased for just $20,000 from the 2024 Adelaide Magic Millions Sale, Virtual Illusion has already earned just shy of $100,000 from his two starts, including $42,240 in Racing Rewards bonuses.
A trip interstate now looms, with suitable races on Cox Plate Day or Melbourne Cup Day under consideration.