The $2M Magic Millions 2YO Classic headlines a bumper nine-race card at the Gold Coast racecourse on Saturday. A full field of 16 runners will do battle for the restricted 1200m feature event which is one of the richest races on the Australian racing calendar.
The Gold Coast (Aquis Park) track features a tight turning circuit where inside barriers are of significant advantage. From the 1200m start point, there is a short 200m run to the first turn which is tough enough to negotiate for seasoned runners let alone youngsters. Adding to these difficulties will be the typical Gold Coast humidity, with the mercury tipped to reach a sweltering 38-degrees on Saturday. How the two-year-olds react to these conditions, as well as the boisterous crowd, are factors which punters need to be wary of.
Strong support has been seen throughout the week for the Tony McEvoy trained filly Sunlight, who’s been backed from $7 into $4 outright favourite following her dominant win in the Aquis Farm On Twitter 2yo Hcp at the same track last Saturday. Drew barrier 15, forcing a slight ease back to $4.20.
By leading first season sire Spirit Of Boom and has impressed with dominant wins in the key lead ups including the Wyong Magic Millions. Follows a similar path to Capitalist (2016) who was the most recent to complete the Wyong/Gold Coast double, using the Wyong feature as the key lead up. Class runner with top hoop Bowman aboard from luxury gate 3.
Huge boom on this Tony Gollan gelding, with a first outing 20 length trial victory followed by two strong wins at Doomben. Still, I can’t buy into the hype given he certainly hasn't beaten much and jumps from gate 18 - looks well under the odds at $5. Wait for a better price come Saturday if you’re keen to play.
Flying under the radar and the $26 on offer looks massive overs for this Snowden runner. Gun local hoop Damian Browne engaged, he could ride this track blindfolded and will be able to position the colt anywhere he chooses from gate 7 and give a great sight at the price. Excellent each way play.
The current favourite who couldn't have been more impressive winning at this track last Saturday. She did run time but hardly beat much and from gate 15 certainly happy to risk on the tight turning Gold Coast circuit. If you are keen, best to wait for a better price on Saturday than the $4.20 being bet now.
Nomathaj was impressive in her only career start at Flemington in October where she beat a quality field which included Sunlight. Has been spelled since and wears the blinkers here after success with the gear change in a recent barrier trial win. Ideal draw, don't discount.
Outback Barbie, stablemate to Ef Troop, was a winner at her only appearance in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes at Doomben over 1100m. The filly finished a nose second behind Sunlight in a Gold Coast barrier trial last month and trainer Tony Gollan believes she'll be coming home strongly if there's pace on. Her dam, General Nediym, is a former Millions winner and she will jump from barrier six.
1st Legislation – going with the value here with most top fancies drawing wide.
2nd Jonker
3rd Sunlight