The Gold Coast Turf Club’s biggest race day has almost arrived with a capacity field of juveniles set to line up in Saturday’s 2YO Magic Millions Classic.
The $3 million feature has attracted a handful of the country’s most promising colts and fillies, including last week’s Gold Pearl winner Arabian Summer, and undefeated Waterhouse and Bott favourite, Storm Boy.
After winning for a second time two years ago with subsequent Group 1 winner Coolangatta, the Maher and Eustace can claim a third win with last week’s Gold Nugget winner, Spywire.
For our thoughts on all 16 runners in this year’s Magic Millions Classic, be sure to read our detailed preview below.
2024 Magic Millions 2YO Classic Betting Strategy
- 1 Unit Arabian Summer (Win)
- 1 Unit Poster Girl (Each Way)
1. Storm Boy (10)
Undefeated colt that has caught the eye winning back-to-back starts.
Caught three wide in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan a couple of weeks ago, only to make a mockery of his rivals down the straight when winning by an arrogant 2.4 length margin.
Looks likely to adopt similar tactics from the wide gate under Adam Hyrenonimus, and if this turns into a leader’s track on race day due to the weather, he should prove very hard to run down as favourite.
2. Spywire (12)
Back in the winner’s stall last Saturday with a tidy two-length win in the Gold Nugget.
The son of Trapeze Artist had some doubters coming off his runner-up effort in the Wyong Magic Millions, but he quickly reminded everyone of his talent when responding nicely to some pressure mid-race.
The time wasn’t much different compared to the fillies, but with James McDonald engaged this time, he’ll likely speed out early and look to settle up front from the wide draw.
3. Parkour (17)
Closed off nicely for a distant second to Arabian Summer on debut at Ballarat, before showing real improvement three weeks later with a last-to-first effort down the outside at Randwick.
The gate makes things tricky for this colt by Extreme Choice, but Jamie Kah sticking in the saddle is a big plus.
The Arabian Summer form has been franked, and a place isn’t out of the question if the pair can save something for late.
4. Highness (4)
Kept on ice for his win in the Wyong 2YO Classic just under a month ago.
The Snitzel colt was all class over the final 100m, wearing down Spywire thanks to a well-timed ride from Tommy Berry.
The pair reunite again here and will likely take a power of beating coming off a soft trial win at Rosehill a couple of weeks ago.
5. Wolfgang (2)
Steps out in search of his hat trick following a handy win at Doomben late last month.
The Exceed and Excel colt stalked the speed along the rail in the early going, coming off the fence over the final furlong to wear down Defiant Boom in his final few strides.
He’s drawn an identical gate, and although this is his first look at the track, it’s hard to fault his recent form with Blake Shinn sticking in the irons.
6. Vianarra (15)
Four-start maiden looking to improve on a runner-up effort at Randwick a fortnight ago.
He got a little wayward down the straight that day but was enormous through the line to finish a length off Parkour.
The gate hurts his chances, but he continues to improve with racing.
7. Mishani Hercules (1)
Unplaced in four attempts so far.
Was safely held in the Wolfgang race at Doomben two weeks ago and would need to improve sharply to be a factor.
8. Arabian Summer (9)
Looks the pick of the filly’s coming off a dominant two-length win last week in the Gold Pearl.
Out of three-time Group 1 winner Too Darn Hot, the McEvoy-trained juvenile ran every bit like a favourite, tucking in nicely behind the speed before winding up with a big run to storm clear down the outside.
She’s already proven herself in big races when placing at Group 3 level during the Melbourne spring, going on to claim the 2YO Classic at Ballarat a month later.
Likely to lap up the wet conditions. Don’t underestimate her chances at a very attractive price.
9. Mishani Aloha (8)
Back-to-back winner at Doomben last year before weakening badly up on the speed in the BJ McLachlan a few weeks ago at Eagle Farm.
The tempo may not have suited that day, but given this is tougher again, the price looks about right.
10. Poster Girl (6)
Looks dangerous as one of the backmarkers.
The daughter of Alabama Express was huge on debut on the Sunshine Coast, taken right back in the run where she eventually flashed home late along the inside to win narrowly.
She adopted similar tactics a few weeks ago in the BJ McLachlan at Eagle Farm, weaving her way across heels to finish 2.4 lengths off Storm Boy.
Robbie Dolan knows her inside and out, and with fitness on her side, she can run a really nice race here at knockout odds.
11. Erno’s Cube (7)
Impressive winner of her maiden two back at Newcastle where she had plenty go wrong in transit.
The Rubick filly followed that up with a runner-up effort at Randwick five weeks later, giving good chase where she was no match in the end for the all-the-way winner.
Considering she was off a big break between runs, she could be open to natural improvement with Jason Collett also hopping back in the saddle.
12. Jenni’s Meadow (5)
Making just her second start after winning narrowly on debut at The Valley last month.
Her late sectionals caught the eye, especially after racing four-wide, no cover at one point.
Looks to be armed with a serious turn of foot and can’t be taken lightly.
13. Territory Ash (14)
Shed the maiden tag two back on the Sunshine Coast where she found an extra gear down the middle of the straight to win well.
Liam Birchley’s filly found herself in a similar spot last week in the Gold Pearl where she was beaten three lengths in the end, but she did make up some nice ground over her final few strides.
Tough to know how she’ll handle the quick backup, but with the maiden win coming on soft going, some sting out of the track should help.
14. Mishani Ego (13)
Comes out of the Gold Pearl last week where she was a little one-paced in the run home.
She’s plenty fit since her debut in September but is likely better suited against easier company.
15. Mishani Express (16)
Seven start maiden that saw her run of placings come to an end in the Gold Pearl last week.
The daughter of Sidestep has done her best racing in the wet, but the wide gate makes this tough.
16. Sheza Chiquitita (11)
Got up to win by a lip on debut at Toowoomba last year, but has really struggled to find that form in tougher races since.
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