Every second counts: Bush galloper set to go past Tom Melbourne's mark
And if she goes one better on Saturday at Randwick, either to 15 seconds, or even a fifth win, her Scone trainer and part-owner Scott Singleton will be happy.
'The fact that they earn such good prize money running second, it takes the frustration out of it because you feel like a winner anyway,' said Singleton, who owns 20 per cent of the galloper, which has earned $559,690 from 28 starts.
'But that last start, you can't say she ran second because she wants to. You could just tell she was trying her heart out. It's just how it's worked out with her.
'I wouldn't say it's frustrating. I'd just love her to win one for her.'
Now-retired Tom Melbourne, an import bought for just $7800, rose to cult status with 14 seconds and just five wins across 50 Australian starts, often at stakes level, to earn $1.4 million.
While Dollar Magic has never challenged those heights, she is a consistent performer, winning four races and missing a place just six times. Twelve of her runner-up efforts have been on a Saturday in town. Her only Saturday metro win came at home, on Scone's annual standalone meeting, last year.
The seven-year-old mare, a homebred daughter of Shamus Award for Singleton's long-time clients Wal and Anne Lanham, went to 14 seconds last time out at Rosehill in a 1200m fillies and mares benchmark 78 handicap on July 19.
She returns to town for an identical race, the third on the card, and Singleton is confident she can challenge again. Out of the Lanhams' mare Last Dollars, Dollar Magic was matched with Shamus Award when he stood for $22,000 at Widden Stud.
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Courier-Mail
an hour ago
- Courier-Mail
The surprise Brisbane suburb ranked best for lifestyle buying
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MCG Quantity Surveyors director Mike Mortlock said the purpose of the research was to uncover the suburbs across Australia with the lifestyle offerings plus long-term growth potential. 'The markets that have proved to have more consistent growth have lifestyle components baked in,' he said. Deagon, with a median listing price of $650,000, made the cut for offering affordable property one suburb back from Moreton Bay and a 30-minute commute from the CBD. Jacqui McKeering of McKeering Real Estate said Deagon had long been 'a bit of a secret' in the Brisbane property market. 'No one really goes looking for Deagon – they discover it,' she said. MORE: Display home makes new owner $182k a year No longer affordable': Brisbane property boom hits the skids 'When people come to the bayside suburbs, they relate to Brighton, because so many nice seaside towns around the world are named Brighton.' 'Then they find Deagon and they can see the real benefits with the railway line there, good school catchments and proximity to private schools in the area.' 'What buyers also love is that it can be closer to the Sandgate city centre and the water than some parts of Sandgate.' Ms McKeering said Deagon was popular with families and downsizers, though first homebuyers were being priced out of the market as property values rose. 'It is much more affordable than its wealthier neighbours, including Shorncliffe and Sandgate, but still walking distance to all the lifestyle attractions,' she said. 'A lot of young families like Deagon because they can get more bang for buck. MORE: Revealed: Where Townsville buyers are flocking Buy the Outback Wrangler's house – get a pet croc 'There are lot of newer homes compared to Shorncliffe and Sandgate and a lot of lowsets that suit the downsizers. 'As an investment suburb, it does tick a lot of boxes as well.' Ms McKeering said Deagon had good opportunity for future development and price growth. 'Being close to the bay and public transport, you can see it going ahead,' she said. Mudgeeraba-Bonogin took out top spot thanks to its balance of acreage and city access plus its proximity to amenities, Burleigh Beach and Tallebudgera Creek. The report deemed the area to be in a mid-range price bracket with homes listed for $1.295m on average. Kahlee Townsend of Ray White Robina said she couldn't agree more with her patch of Mudgeeraba – Bonogin being named number one. 'I believe it's very undervalued for what you get,' she said. 'It has that mix of acreage and residential, proximity to transports and school, and you're 15 minutes to the beach, hospitals and shopping centres.' MORE: Aussie Lotto winner to spend $1.4m on her cat Shock price reveal for insane Aussie property 'There is an old school community feel, with new age accessibility.' Ms Townsend said post-Covid, buyers were gravitating more towards hinterland living in search of more land and simpler lives. 'Because of the volume of people moving to the Gold Coat, it's quite busy, so the hinterland is giving that slower paced, calming environment that a lot of people are really searching for,' she said. 'To get into beachside suburbs now, you need to compromise yet prices are going through the roof. 'Buyers want land. 'The need for dual living is becoming more and more apparent, with affordability and availability tightening. 'Acreage can offer that dual living set up, whether for extra income, elderly parents or helping children get into the market.' MORE NEWS: World bikini champion selling luxury Aus home Revealed: Aus trend helping buyers beat record house prices In second place was 'premium' priced Currumbin Valley – Tallebudgera ($1.62m) on the Gold Coast, for similar reasons to Mudgeeraba – Bonogin. 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'These reports normally look at short-term, available data,' he said. 'This often gives a range of short-term predictors but they don't always indicate what a good long-term play will be.' 'And, given the high costs of transacting in real estate, that's usually what a property purchase is, whether it's a home or an investment. It's a very long-term play.' Mr Mortlock said the MCG report considered a range of metrics that had long-term, positive influences on property values, but were factors unlikely to be changed by short-term forces. 'We looked at factors that are always in demand,' he said. 'They're attributes that help markets outperform over the long haul. We know buyers will pay a premium to have them.' Features sought out by home seekers year after year included easy access to beaches, amenities, jobs hubs and top schools. 'All the pillars we looked at were attributes that real estate agents have historically highlighted as the most pertinent points for homebuyers,' Mr Mortlock said. The MCG Four-Pillar Lifestyle Index – SEQ Rank SA2 (suburb area) Median listing price Lifestyle score 1 Mudgeeraba – Bonogin $1,295,000 19 2 Currumbin Valley – Tallebudgera $1,620,000 21 3 Labrador $785,000 17 4 Caloundra West – Baringa $734,000 18 5 Aroona – Currimundi $872,000 18 6 Maroochydore – Kuluin $1,085,000 19 7 Caloundra – Kings Beach $799,000 18 8 Deagon $650,000 17 9 Biggera Waters $728,000 18 10 Peregian Springs $1,353,000 19 SOURCE: MCG Quantity Surveyors MORE REAL ESTATE NEWS
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aussie darts star set for Gong clash with fenom Littler
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"I just want to perform, so to do that in front of my friends and family, loved it," said Heta, the 37-year-old from Perth who's known as 'the Heat' on the PDC circuit. "I'm forever grateful that I can come home and get this support, and hopefully I can build on that performance tomorrow." Littler, fresh from his triumph at the World Matchplay in England, blamed his sluggish performance on jet-lag. "It's not always the prettiest, but I am happy to get over the line," said the 18-year-old. "I had to grind it out, I'll be honest, not much practice has been put in, people don't see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect." Friday's opening round featured eight of the world's best players, including Heta, up against the cream of Australian and New Zealand darts, with the PDC stars emerging with a clean sweep. Indeed, Littler was the closest of all to losing as Puha had a glorious chance to prevail when throwing first in the deciding leg. Northern Irishman Josh Rock, who was beaten in the Matchplay semi-final by Littler, was almost as impressive as Heta as he averaged 108.16 while thumping Australian darts icon, "the wizard of Oz" Simon Whitlock 6-1. England's world No.1 Luke Humphries also got through to Saturday's finals day, after beating New Zealand's Jonny Tata 6-3, while Welsh defending champion Gerwyn Price beat Western Australian Joe Comito 6-3. 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It earned him a mouth-watering last-eight clash with the English teenage phenomenon Littler, who was far from his best as he had to survive being taken to the last leg by New Zealand's world No.94 Haupai Puha before emerging with a 6-5 victory. Littler averaged only 91.8 and will need to improve drastically if he's to get past world no.10 Heta, who was in dazzling form from the start at the WIN Entertainment Centre, kicking off with successive 121 finishes, while also taking out 117 and 104 en route to his 6-0 win. "I just want to perform, so to do that in front of my friends and family, loved it," said Heta, the 37-year-old from Perth who's known as 'the Heat' on the PDC circuit. "I'm forever grateful that I can come home and get this support, and hopefully I can build on that performance tomorrow." Littler, fresh from his triumph at the World Matchplay in England, blamed his sluggish performance on jet-lag. "It's not always the prettiest, but I am happy to get over the line," said the 18-year-old. "I had to grind it out, I'll be honest, not much practice has been put in, people don't see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect." Friday's opening round featured eight of the world's best players, including Heta, up against the cream of Australian and New Zealand darts, with the PDC stars emerging with a clean sweep. Indeed, Littler was the closest of all to losing as Puha had a glorious chance to prevail when throwing first in the deciding leg. Northern Irishman Josh Rock, who was beaten in the Matchplay semi-final by Littler, was almost as impressive as Heta as he averaged 108.16 while thumping Australian darts icon, "the wizard of Oz" Simon Whitlock 6-1. England's world No.1 Luke Humphries also got through to Saturday's finals day, after beating New Zealand's Jonny Tata 6-3, while Welsh defending champion Gerwyn Price beat Western Australian Joe Comito 6-3. Results at the Australian Darts Masters: First round: Mike De Decker (Belgium) 6-2 Brandon Weening (Australia)Gerwyn Price (Wales) 6-3 Joe Comito (Australia)Stephen Bunting (England) 6-1 Brody Klinge (Australia)Luke Humphries (England) 6-3 Jonny Tata (New Zealand)Damon Heta (Australia) 6-0 James Bailey (Australia)Luke Littler (England) 6-5 Haupai Puha (New Zealand)Josh Rock (Northern Ireland) 6-1 Simon Whitlock (Australia)Chris Dobey (England) 6-4 Tim Pusey (Australia) Saturday's quarter-final draw: Bunting v RockLittler v HetaPrice v DobeyHumphries v De Decker World champion Luke Littler has survived a scare to set up a blockbuster quarter-final with the hosts' top thrower Damon Heta at the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong. Australian No.1 Heta was inspired on his homecoming, proving the star of the night as he averaged 109.98 and landed four ton-plus check-outs to dispatch Melbourne veteran James Bailey in six straight legs at the star-studded event on Friday. It earned him a mouth-watering last-eight clash with the English teenage phenomenon Littler, who was far from his best as he had to survive being taken to the last leg by New Zealand's world No.94 Haupai Puha before emerging with a 6-5 victory. Littler averaged only 91.8 and will need to improve drastically if he's to get past world no.10 Heta, who was in dazzling form from the start at the WIN Entertainment Centre, kicking off with successive 121 finishes, while also taking out 117 and 104 en route to his 6-0 win. "I just want to perform, so to do that in front of my friends and family, loved it," said Heta, the 37-year-old from Perth who's known as 'the Heat' on the PDC circuit. "I'm forever grateful that I can come home and get this support, and hopefully I can build on that performance tomorrow." Littler, fresh from his triumph at the World Matchplay in England, blamed his sluggish performance on jet-lag. "It's not always the prettiest, but I am happy to get over the line," said the 18-year-old. "I had to grind it out, I'll be honest, not much practice has been put in, people don't see behind the scenes, body clock, not sleeping, it has an effect." Friday's opening round featured eight of the world's best players, including Heta, up against the cream of Australian and New Zealand darts, with the PDC stars emerging with a clean sweep. Indeed, Littler was the closest of all to losing as Puha had a glorious chance to prevail when throwing first in the deciding leg. Northern Irishman Josh Rock, who was beaten in the Matchplay semi-final by Littler, was almost as impressive as Heta as he averaged 108.16 while thumping Australian darts icon, "the wizard of Oz" Simon Whitlock 6-1. England's world No.1 Luke Humphries also got through to Saturday's finals day, after beating New Zealand's Jonny Tata 6-3, while Welsh defending champion Gerwyn Price beat Western Australian Joe Comito 6-3. Results at the Australian Darts Masters: First round: Mike De Decker (Belgium) 6-2 Brandon Weening (Australia)Gerwyn Price (Wales) 6-3 Joe Comito (Australia)Stephen Bunting (England) 6-1 Brody Klinge (Australia)Luke Humphries (England) 6-3 Jonny Tata (New Zealand)Damon Heta (Australia) 6-0 James Bailey (Australia)Luke Littler (England) 6-5 Haupai Puha (New Zealand)Josh Rock (Northern Ireland) 6-1 Simon Whitlock (Australia)Chris Dobey (England) 6-4 Tim Pusey (Australia) Saturday's quarter-final draw: Bunting v RockLittler v HetaPrice v DobeyHumphries v De Decker
The Australian
6 hours ago
- The Australian
How much super you need for a comfortable retirement revealed
The average 30-year-old Australian earning the median wage is on track for a comfortable retirement for the first time, forecasters have revealed. The milestone comes from analysis by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), and was down to mandatory 12 per cent superannuation payments becoming a reality. 'This is a major milestone in Australia's retirement system,' ASFA chief executive Mary Delahunty said. 'With the super guarantee increase to 12 per cent, we are seeing super fulfil its objective of providing a dignified retirement for ordinary Australians, with today's 30-year-olds reaping the rewards of decades of progress in our world-class super system.' From July 1, workers' superannuation guarantee rate increased from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent, meaning employers pay 12 per cent equivalent amount of your earnings into super. Unpaid super is a concern in many casualised industries. Proponents of the increase in super payments say the change addresses some effects of generational inequalities in Australia. Picture: NewsWire The bump to 12 per cent tips today's 30-year-olds into a comfortable retirement, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia modelling says. The increase means about an extra $20,000 come retirement time. The test-case 30-year-old needs to be on at least the median wage though, which is about $75,000. The average Australian wage is $102,741. 'With the 12 per cent super guarantee coming in, we can now say that the system foundations are cemented for young, working people to have a comfortable retirement,' Ms Delahunty said. 'It's a moment all Australians should be proud of.' A comfortable retirement means being able to pay for health insurance, a decent car, phone and internet, regular leisure activities, an annual domestic holiday and an international holiday every seven years. The analysis shows younger workers should be on track for a comfortable retirement. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard The amount needed to tick these boxes is $595,000 as a single homeowner and $690,000 combined for a homeowning couple. A retiring renter needs an extra 30 per cent. As well as being positive news for Australians only a decade or two into their working lives, the super guarantee increase to 12 per cent has also been heralded as a win for women. Modelling on the change, done by super fund HESTA, projects the increased payments will enhance the stark difference between younger women and women retiring now. Under HESTA's modelling, a woman starting her career in 2025 was now projected to have $712,000 of super when she retired; $411,000 more than the average female retiring this year. At the moment, the average Australian male aged in his early 60s has $395,000 in super, versus $313,360 for women. Blair Jackson Reporter Blair's journalism career has taken him from Perth, to New Zealand, Queensland and now Melbourne. Blair Jackson
