A well-constructed plan by trainer Tony Vasil to ensure Intencion gained a start in the Magic Millions Guineas came unstuck when Canberra three-year-old Unanimously beat him by a head at Randwick.Melbourne-based Vasil decided to bring Intencion to Sydney with the purpose of claiming what seemed a winnable race and cementing a berth in next week's million-dollar race for which he is the second favourite.But he and Nash Rawiller didn't count on the tenacity of Unanimously in the JB (Barry) Maher M

A well-constructed plan by trainer Tony Vasil to ensure Intencion gained a start in the Magic Millions Guineas came unstuck when Canberra three-year-old Unanimously beat him by a head at Randwick.

Melbourne-based Vasil decided to bring Intencion to Sydney with the purpose of claiming what seemed a winnable race and cementing a berth in next week's million-dollar race for which he is the second favourite.

But he and Nash Rawiller didn't count on the tenacity of Unanimously in the JB (Barry) Maher Memorial Handicap (1200m) who held off the late charge by Intencion.

"The operation was successful but the patient died," Vasil said.

"It leaves him probably as an emergency at the moment.

"The idea was to come here and win and also to give him a go right-handed.

"We'll take the punt and keep going to Queensland.

"If he had won last time in Melbourne or here today he was safely in.

"He ran super but he got beat.

"I'd really love to get him in the race because 1400 metres would be ideal and he loves the wet."

Canberra jockey Mathew Cahill made the trip to town to ride the Matthew Dale-trained Unanimously who started at $9.50 with Intencion ($3.30) edging Havatryst ($3.50) for favouritism.

Queensland visitor Havatryst led and showed determination to hold on for third, a half-length behind Intencion.

Unanimously finished second to Falino at Rosehill on December 11 and fourth to emerging star Sincero at Randwick a week later.

"He's a really nice animal," Cahill said.

"He's so relaxed, he's like an old stager.

"I'm not sure how far he can go but he's consistent, he's sensible, he's just a real professional."

The race was named in honour of late rails bookmaker JB (Barry) Maher who began his trade in 1951 and retired due to ill health in 1998.

He died recently aged 80 and was represented by around 70 members of his family.