Trainer Kelly Schweida capped off a big night at the Gold Coast by taking out the $3 million Sunlight 3YO Plate (1100m) with crack colt Grafterburners.

Riding three straight victories heading into Saturday, Schweida booked James McDonald for the ride and Australia’s premier jockey delivered.

McDonald was winless prior to the main event but delivered on the big stage and that was exactly what Schweida expected.

Held up at the 250m mark, McDonald was caught in a pocket but found clear air and from there, nothing could match motors with Grafterburners.

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“Got the gun ride off J-Mac but that’s what you expect,” Schweida said.

“They make their own luck and he’s a star.”

While McDonald made his own luck, there was also an unlucky jockey in the equation. Brisbane-based gun Cejay Graham had ridden Grafterburners to his previous two victories, but had to make way when “J-Mac” got the call for the $3 million race.

Graham’s consolation prize – victory in the $500,000 The Wave aboard Miss Joelene – was the first of a two-race feature double for Schweida, who made the first weekend of the Magic Millions carnival his own.

Grafterburners living up to the name! 🔥 Turns on the jets for an easy win in the TAB Magic Millions Sunlight with @mcacajamez at the Gold Coast 💨 pic.twitter.com/O79Jl33ipY

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 10, 2026

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Schweida has had no shortage of stars go through his stable over the years but Grafterburners is quickly climbing his way to the top of the tree.

“Better Than Ready was a pretty good colt but he (Grafterburners) will do for now,” Schweida said.

“He’s a pretty boy and I’m really proud of him.”

The son of Graff has now won four in a row and Schweida admitted he was not short of options as to where they headed next.

“He’s eligible for the million dollar Inglis race in Melbourne or he’s eligible for the half a million QTIS-only race which we won last year, so there’s some pretty good options.”

Nashville Jack ran on for second at cricket score odds and his jockey Tyler Schiller was full of praise for the Brad Widdup-trained galloper.

“It was a super run and he’s done everything right tonight,” Schiller said.

“The pace probably helped him so the tempo was in his favour and he got a lovely run through.

“I thought he finished off astoundingly but the favourite was just too good.”

Earlier, classy filly Miss Freelove took out the $250,000 Sunlight Consolation 3YO Plate (1100m) in good style.

Miss Freelove turns on the jets! 🚀 Too quick for them with Tim Clark aboard for Peter Snowden pic.twitter.com/NlQgdU8fzZ

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 10, 2026

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From a good gate, jockey Tim Clark found a midfield position just behind the speed and got the daughter of Tassort into the clear at the business end.

Trainer Peter Snowden was thrilled with Clark’s steer and said he believed Miss Freelove had carnival prospects.

“Had a good gate and I thought we’d take advantage of it and Tim did,” Snowden said.

“Tim has had a few rides on her so he knows her well, which is a plus.

“But I just told him to be a bit careful and don’t anchor up because they’re hard to run down when they get around the corner here but he got her in a great spot.

“She’s stakes-placed at Flemington and a pretty handy filly.

“I’m sure there’s a bit of upside coming through the autumn and possibly see her back up in Brisbane at some stage.