Trainer Liam Birchley has no qualms about backing up Magic Millions Classic runner-up Pepperano a week after her valiant effort at the Gold Coast.

Pepperano will line up in the $150,000 Racing Minister’s 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

Birchley said Pepperano had done well since her second behind Le Chef in last week’s Magic Millions where she had little luck.

“It was again a case of barriers telling the tale. The winner started from three and had a perfect run while we came from barrier 12 and had no luck,” Birchley said.

Birchley said he expected Pepperano would be improved by her run in the Magic Millions.

“We ran her at Toowoomba 10 days before the Millions because she needed a lead in,” he said.

“She had done too well in the paddock.

“But I still reckon she still had a bit of fitness to find going into the Millions.”

Pepperano has been a wonderful investment for her connections after she was originally passed in at the Magic Millions yearling sales.

The filly has now won $468,100 prize money and bonus payments from a win, a second and a fourth.

Pepperano continued Birchley’s run of minor placings in the Magic Millions.

“I have had horses get into the minor placings in four years and three of those have also picked up a bonus for being owned by women,” he said.

“So it is hard to say I have been totally unlucky but it would be nice to win one.”

Pepperano won’t be the only Birchley runner attracting attention on Saturday as he has a big opinion of promising stayer Reckless Abandon.

“He won two at the provincials and at his first run in Saturday class recently he went around very deep with no luck,” Birchley said.

“I think he has a future over some ground.”

Article from justhorseracing.com.au