Michael Freedman is chasing his first winner at the Gold Coast’s Magic Millions Carnival on Saturday, with odds-on favourite Ninja set to headline the $3 million 3YO Guineas, though a difficult draw stands in his way.

Ninja cemented his status as the horse to beat with a dominant 4.8-length victory in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) on January 3, but rivals were handed encouragement after the gelding drew barrier 17 at Tuesday’s barrier draw.

While acknowledging the challenge, Freedman said the wide alley was something the camp would have to work around.

“It is what it is, right?” Freedman said.

“It’s not ideal, but you can’t do much about it. We’ve just got to have a good look at the race and see how we ride him.

“Tommy (Berry) will do a lot of homework on the race, so hopefully we get it right.”

The 1400-metre start at the Gold Coast provides around 400 metres before the first turn and Freedman believes that, draw aside, Ninja is thriving.

“He’s terrific. I couldn’t be happier with him – he’s thrived since his last win,” Freedman said.

“There’s a nice run into that first part so we’ll just get Tommy to do a lot of homework on the race and try and hatch a plan to overcome the gate.

“He’s good to go.”

Freedman will also saddle up Encoder in the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m), a race the gelding won last year when trained by his brother Lee.

With betting interest building for the Magic Millions features, punters can assess markets for the Guineas through leading Australian betting sites.

“He’s pulled up from his run really well,” Freedman said of Encoder following his second placing behind Miss Joelene in The Wave on Saturday.

“Damian Lane on, he’s a great jockey, he obviously races well at this track so he’ll give it a good shake.”

The post Freedman seeks maiden Magic Millions success first appeared on Just Horse Racing.