Adrian Bott remains confident Shiki is on the right path towards the Magic Millions Classic, despite the filly failing to justify odds-on favouritism at Randwick.
A gutsy winner of the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) in October, Shiki had been among the early favourites for the $3 million feature on January 17 but drifted to $8 after finishing fourth in the TAB Plate (1000m).
Sent straight to the lead, the two-year-old kicked clear on the turn before being overhauled late, crossing the line 2-3/4 lengths behind Warwoven.
Bott said the performance did little to dent his opinion of the filly and confirmed the Gold Coast remained the target.
“I haven’t lost faith off the back of (Saturday),” Bott said.
“I think she is the right horse to take up there. The benefit is she’s qualified, so we were under no pressure, and it was a nice starting point for her.”
The Tulloch Lodge trainer had flagged pre-race that Shiki was not fully wound up, with her peak still several weeks away.
Another run at the Gold Coast is likely prior to the Magic Millions, and Bott is confident added education will bring improvement.
“She is a very fast filly and has always been that way. I just want to see her harness her speed, which she can do,” he said.
“She was in need of that run, and we’ve got a few things to work on which we’re aware of.
“A different race set-up for her will be beneficial because she can be adaptable.”
While Shiki drifted in Classic betting, Warwoven tightened to $6 alongside Lumbini.
Lumbini delivered an eye-catching victory in The Debut (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday night and Bott confirmed she would also be aimed at the Magic Millions.
“She was excellent, and she is Magic Millions-bound,” he said.
“She will probably run again in two weeks’ time and then head there.”
Wyong Magic Millions winner Paradoxium remains the $3.50 market leader and is expected to contest the B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm next weekend.
Magic Millions markets and race analysis can be followed via the Australian betting sites list.
