With the major summer features rolling into view at the Gold Coast, Michael Hickmott is expecting a sharp improvement from Inhabit as the filly continues her Magic Millions build-up in Saturday’s QTIS 2yo Fillies (1100m).
A debut winner at Murray Bridge over 900 metres in October, Hickmott has put a line through Inhabit’s last-start third at Morphettville Parks, where the daughter of Stay Inside started a $1.26 favourite and finished well back behind subsequent dual winner Moana Spirit.
That run was later explained after the filly was found to have suffered cardiac arrhythmia, and Hickmott said her recent trial victory suggests she is back on track.
“She had a jump out against the older horses and was completely dominant,” Hickmott said while inspecting lots ahead of next week’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
“Her last run was basically a no race for us I’m not paying any attention to it.
“The figures that we use indicate that is she would have replicated her first start at her second and even improved slightly, she can be in the mix with these horses this time.”
Inhabit is quoted at $11 for Saturday’s race, with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained pair By Choice and Skiki both trading under $4.
Todd Pannell, who has extensive experience riding at the Gold Coast, retains the mount on Inhabit.
Pannell has ridden 410 times at the venue over the past 15 years, recording 35 wins and 87 placings.
Hickmott will also be represented by Cash, who took an unconventional route to Queensland after missing a flight from South Australia.
Travelling by road via Sydney, the lightly raced four-year-old recorded a career-best rating of 90 at Gawler last start before sharpening up with a barrier trial at Randwick on December 30.
“He will win a really good race at some stage,” Hickmott said of the gelding, who has won two races and placed twice from four starts.
Markets are open with leading Australian betting sites for the QTIS 2yo Fillies and Magic Millions Rising Stars races, giving punters plenty of options this weekend.
Cash was purchased for $1.1 million at the 2023 Magic Millions Yearling Sale and is a $6.50 equal second favourite for the Magic Millions Rising Stars 3&4yo for colts, geldings and entires.
“It is a bit left of centre the way we had to come here but hopefully it all works out well,” Hickmott added.
The post Inhabit ready to show more at Magic Millions first appeared on Just Horse Racing.