The Magic Millions 2YO Classic failed to shake up the market for the Golden Slipper, with Incognito remaining firmly among the leading fancies as he edges closer to a return.

The Michael Freedman-trained colt was eligible for the Gold Coast feature after being a $1 million yearling purchase, but connections opted to bypass the race and instead give him another trial as preparations build towards the Slipper in March.

That 850m trial at Randwick last Thursday was his second of the year, following an impressive hit-out over 900m on January 2, and Freedman believes the colt is tracking perfectly for a late-January return.

“At this stage the plan is to head to the Canonbury Stakes on the 31st of January at Rosehill, which gives us 16 days,” Freedman said.

“Things can change with two-year-olds very quickly, so I never look too far ahead with them, but he’s a really well-behaved, sensible colt and he’s got plenty of substance to him.

“I’m hoping he’s the one that can stand up.”

Incognito has only raced once to date, but made a big impression when winning the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) at Randwick last October.

He was partnered by Tommy Berry in last week’s trial and finished third behind Enriched, with Manaal splitting the pair.

Freedman was pleased with the performance, particularly given the company involved.

“It’s never ideal, a two-year-old having to go against the older horses, but I wanted to give him a trial on the Kenso rather than the steeple,” he said.

“I didn’t want him to have a gut-buster, but Tommy was very happy with him.

“He travelled well, came off heels and quickened nicely before we let him ease through the line.”

Incognito shares favouritism for the Golden Slipper at $8 with Warwoven, who was scratched from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on raceday.

Early markets are already live across leading Australian betting sites as attention turns toward the autumn features.

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