"That is the one I want, that third NZ Cup," said McDonald.
"If he wins that then everything else is a bonus."
That third Cup win in November might have to come at the expense of Christen Me and I'm Themightyquinn though, meaning if Terror To Love joins Indianapolis and False Step as the only three-time winners he will earn it the hardest way.
"Then I'd love to go back to Australia and get a big win there. But that is all secondary to the Cup."
Yesterday's win will also be enough to secure Terror To Love the Horse of the Year title when it is handed out in Christchurch next month, ensuring he will have a resume soaked in black print when he does retire. Terror To Love replicated yesterday's other winners of the first 5-year-old Jewels, Charlemagne and Bettor Cover Lover, by becoming a dual Jewels winner.
Bettor Cover Lover was professional and got favourite punters home thanks to a smart tactical decision from Brent Mangos, who decided to take a trail with her at the 800m rather than get into a war with Averil's Quest.
That won her her third group one of the season and she heads to the paddock having joined a rare group, that of millionaire mares.
While their wins were expected the victory of Charlemagne was one of the biggest upsets of the weekend, although not quite rivalling his 89-1 win of last season.
It was more emotional for trainer Colin Butler, who had lost his wife, Raelyn, a part-owner of Charlemagne since last year's win. "I told Charlie [Charlemagne] before the race Mum would be watching," said Butler.
"So it was pretty emotional for me, different from last year obviously."
Charlemagne will never reach the millionaire status of Terror To Love or Bettor Cover Lover and may simply have been the right horse at the right place two years in a row, thanks to top Phil Butcher drives.
However, his victory showed that the Jewels is still a realistic dream for racing's battlers.
