Chris and Corey Munce may have lost Cool Archie as a Magic Millions 2YO Classic contender, but Zip Lock has stepped up to fill the void with a decisive win at Eagle Farm.

Having opened at $11 for the $3 million Gold Coast feature on January 17, Zip Lock has firmed to $7 after taking out the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m).

Resuming six weeks after a debut success, Zip Lock ($3.20) proved too sharp for race favourite Tornado Valley ($1.80F), who was forced to race three-deep throughout after settling slightly worse than midfield.

“Credit to the horse after that freshen-up,” Chris Munce said.

“He had the trial the other day and he improved enormously off it. I guess we head to the Millions now.

“I said to owners that I wasn’t going to put a lot of emphasis on the Magic Millions because I had a lot of time for him.

“I thought he was going to be a winter two-year-old and a lovely three-year-old.”

The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey-turned-trainer also highlighted the significance of the win for rider Justin Huxtable.

“I think this was good for Justin,” Munce said.

“He’s been with our stable for a long time and he is a tall lad and he doesn’t ride too many bad ones.”

Zip Lock was secured for $160,000 at the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale and now looks to emulate Coolangatta and Storm Boy, who both parlayed B.J. McLachlan success into Magic Millions victories.

Following the race, Tornado Valley eased from $6 to $9 in early markets for the 2026 edition, while Warwoven continues to head betting at $3.

Early Magic Millions betting markets are available through the Australian betting sites list.