Once a favourite for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, *Icarian Dream* has drawn the widest barrier for Saturday’s showcase event.
Trainer Ciaron Maher’s bid for a third Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) title in five years has become more challenging after *Icarian Dream* landed barrier 21 of 21 for the $3 million Magic Millions Classic.
Maher’s mother, Eileen, drew the gate at the renowned Surfer’s Paradise beach barrier draw. Despite the setback, Maher remains optimistic about the filly’s chances following her strong win in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m).
“The job will be a little bit more difficult from out there in 21, but as my mother would say, ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way,’” Maher said.
“She was very dominant on the weekend, and I’m sure she’ll run a pretty forward race.”
*Icarian Dream* has eased in betting from a $4.50 favourite to $7.00 after the draw, now sitting as the third favourite. The Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans-trained *Invincible Woman*, who drew barrier nine, has taken over favouritism at $5.00.
*Gallo Nero* remains steady at $6.00 after drawing ideally in barrier five, while first emergency *Space Rider* (barrier 4) and Peter Snowden’s *Memo* (barrier 1) are the only other contenders currently in single figures.
The venue for Saturday’s meeting is yet to be confirmed, with uncertainty surrounding the condition of the Gold Coast track. Addressing the possibility of a venue change, Maher shared his perspective.
“The preparation’s all done in terms of the horse. They’re just going to tick over now and freshen up into the race. Given where the barrier I’ve just received, it would be better if it was at Eagle Farm for me, because it’s a much bigger track.”
“They’ve put so much work and time and effort into the Gold Coast track. It’d be a shame if it wasn’t there, but that’s something that’s out of my control anyway.”
Maher’s previous Magic Millions 2YO Classic wins came with fillies, *Away Game* in 2020 and *Coolangatta* in 2022. He sees similarities between *Icarian Dream* and his past winners.
“Similar to *Away Game*, sort of [like] *Dubious*. A real two-year-old type, very strong. Very robust and she’s fairly experienced for a young horse… a seasoned two-year-old. She’ll need to be; she’s going to have to work at some point in the race, whether it’s early or late, or whether it’s post, but it’ll definitely help her.”
Maher is also eyeing his first Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) win with a dual-pronged assault. *Snitzanova*, the race favourite, drew barrier nine, while *Yes Lulu* is a $15 chance from barrier 17. Maher expressed confidence in both runners, particularly *Yes Lulu*.
“*Snitzanova’s* been fairly busy, tough horse. I think the other one (*Yes Lulu*) is probably the one on the way up,” Maher said.
*Snitzanova* leads the market at $5.50 on betting sites, followed by Peter Snowden’s *Tulleries* at $5.50 despite drawing barrier 23. Other single-figure contenders *Bauhinia* and *Give Me Space* will also face challenges after drawing wide in barriers 20 and 21, respectively.