A cool one million dollars is up for grabs in the Gold Coast Guineas and sixteen 3yo’s (plus four emergencies) are lining up for their chance to claim some of healthy prizemoney. Not surprisingly, those who were prominent in last year’s Magic Millions 2yo Classic, head the market – Sizzling and Driefontein @ $4.60 with No Looking Back @ $5.00.
Magic Millions Guineas Form Guide
1. SIZZLING – C Williams (20)
Got within two lengths of Nechita in the G1 Coolmore on Derby Day last year before a few weeks off and then claiming the Listed Gold Edition stakes in good style. Off the back of that, he started odds-on in the G3 Vo Rogue but after negating a tight spot in the straight, failed to catch Lucky Hussler by a nose. Will be looking to go better than his fourth in last year’s 2yo Magic Millions but the draw will make it tough.
Odds: $4.80
2. LUCKY HUSSLER – Mattew Palmer (17)
Has won three of four starts this time in including the G3 Vo Rogue at his last start. Had every chance in the run on that occasion from barrier four but hasn’t faired so well with the draw here. That’ll make it too tough for him.
Odds: $11.00
3. NOOGOORA BURR – E Wilkinson (9)
Royal Academy colt who ran fourth to Sizzling in the G2 Champagne Stakes during the winter carnival and has won two of his eleven starts. He was first up off a six month break when eighth of fourteen (beaten 4.8 lengths) in the Listed Gold Edition on the 15th December and whilst he’ll be better for that outing, it’ll take too much improvement for him to be winning here.
Odds: $67.00
4. SALUTER – D Browne (11)
Won an Eagle Farm Class 6 race three starts back and has produced two good runs since in the Listed Gold Edition (third, beaten 1.9 lengths) and G3 Vo Rogue (fourth 1 ½ lengths). No luck in running last start from his wide draw and stuck on tenaciously. He is in solid form and meets both Sizzling and Lucky Hussler better at the weights, making the $13.00 on offer, interesting.
Odds: $15.00
5. PLATINUM STATE – J Bowman (15)
Local galloper from the Bryan Guy yard who was very good first up off a six week break when second to Sizzling in the Listed Gold Edition Stakes and followed that up with sixth of twelve (beaten 1.9 lengths) behind Someday in a Class 6 Plate. Raises three kilos on that run and also drawn poorly, which means he’ll have a task in front of him.
Odds: $34.00
6. REGULAR – M Rodd (2)
Stable-mate to Platinum State who has one from eight, that was at his second start in an Ipswich Open. He’s had four runs in this time in with the pick of those being two starts back where he finished two lengths behind Cheval Du Feu, in a Gold Coast 3yo Handicap. On that form, he’ll have his work cut out for him here.
Odds: $101.00
7. GRAND BUSINESS – D Dunn (4)
The first of the interstate runners, this colt is from the Chris Waller yard. Chased home Lilliburlero two starts back at Rosehill in a BM 71 (1400m) under 59kgs, before again, under 59kgs, finishing fourth in the small field of five behind Ferment. Drawn well and some weight relief will be appreciated but think he’ll find this calibre of race a bit rich.
Odds: $67.00
8. HEZA JETSETTER – R Wiggins (12)
Rob Heathcote galloper who won an Open 3yo Handicap at Eagle Farm over a mile in the middle of December before producing his best work late when third (beaten 1.4 lengths) behind Lucky Hussler and Sizzling in the Listed Gold Edition Stakes (1350m) last start. Did well then given he was dropping back in distance and he’ll appreciate the solid tempo of this race.
Odds: $9.00
9. DRIEFONTEIN – T Berry (3)
She is last year’s 2yo Magic Millions winner who is looking to add the 3yo title to his CV. Not Tommy’s greatest ride when second in the Wyong Magic Millions first up three weeks back and from a good draw here, she’ll be prominent throughout. Her overall record is fantastic and she’s one of the leading chances.
Odds: $4.80
10. NO LOOKING BACK – B Shinn (5)
Controversially lost the 2yo Magic Millions to her stable-mate Driefontein last year and will be looking to make amends for that here. She couldn’t have been more impressive when taking on the older horses first up and claiming the Carrington Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on New Year’s Day. Must admit, the step up from 1100m to 1400m is of concern but do picture her getting a sweet run throughout.
Odds: $5.50
11. HOSS AMOR – J McDonald (19)
John O’Shea galloper who ran second to Snitzerland in the G3 Champagne Stakes at Moonee Valley then fifth (beaten 2 ¼ lengths) to Cavalry Rose in the G3 Thoroughbred Club over the Spring Carnival. Got a long way back when resuming from those runs at Canterbury in a BM 85 a fortnight ago and had no luck in the straight. Best to go off the Melbourne efforts and would’ve conceded her some hope prior to the barrier draw.
Odds: $21.00
12. DISCREET – G Colless (10)
She chalked up her second win from thirteen starts for trainer Kelly Schweida with a ¾ length win in Restricted Fillies and Mares (1100m) race at Doomben a fortnight ago. Good style of win last start and she’s been competitive against a number of her opposition previously including a second to Saluter and a fourth to Hoss Amor during the winter. Might be one at good value to put into trifectas and multiples.
Odds: $26.00
13. CALIENTE – P Hammersley (8)
Sequalo filly who rattled home from near last on the turn to claim the Listed Mode Plate at Eagle Farm first up and followed that up with a seventh (beaten 2.2 lengths) of ten a ther last start in the G3 Vo Rogue. Not sure she enjoyed being inside horses from barrier one and would be prepared to forgive her that run. Go on the second to Hoss Amor in the Listed Centenary Stakes during the Winter and she’s yet another that wouldn’t surprise if she were to run a good race.
Odds: $13.00
14. AVALADYLUCK – C Newitt (18)
She got a long back but couldn’t produce a finish to match Caliente’s when eighth first up in the Listed Mode Plate before settling closer and finishing well to dead-heat for second behind Exotic Sequel in a 3yo Handicap at the Gold Coast at her last start. She would’ve have had to have won that last start to be considered a legitimate chance here.
Odds: $71.00
15. SHE’S A STALKER – C Reith (1)
Good ride by Corey Brown two starts back saw her claim the Wyong Magic Millions over Driefontein but she was no match for the fast finishing Bennetta at her last start, finishing 2 ¼ lengths away in second. She’ll have to go forward from the inside gate but can’t see her holding off the challenges that will be coming late.
Odds: $10.00
16. LADY COLOUR – T Bell (6)
Red Dazzler filly from the Bruce Hill stable who has been comfortably held in both the Listed Mode Plate and G3 Vo Rogue at her two most recent starts. Can’t see her being able to turn it around for here.
Odds: $126.00
17. ROCKY KING – (7)
The first of five emergencies who bolted in two starts back in a Class 4 at Eagle Farm, winning by 4 ½ lengths before dead-heating for second to Exoctic Sequel. Will no doubt go forward – if he gets a start – but will not be able to hold on.
Odds: $101.00
18. REFLECTANCE – M Cahill (21)
Well bred Patinack Farm runner who finished midfield in the Listed Gold Edition Stakes behind Sizzling in mid December. She needs two scratchings and plenty of luck from her draw.
Odds: $101.00
19. HARADA BAY – (16)
Good winner of a BM 75 at Warwick Farm three starts back and chased home the undefeated Heart Testa last start. Going well but even if he gets a start, can’t see him winning here.
Odds: $101.00
20. SOOKIE – (14)
Ran 1 ¼ length second to Lucky Hussler (who has since won the G3 Vo Rogue) two starts back in an Open Class race before another strong effort, again finishing second, behind Caliente at her last start.
Odds: $67.00
21. BENNETTA – (13)
Good style of win last start, finishing too well for She’s A Stalker (who won the Wyong Magic Millions at her previous start) and winning by a comfortable 2 ¼ lengths. Promising filly who has only had four starts but also entered for third race on the program – have something on her in that race.
Odds: $15.00
OVERVIEW
Where to start?! Well, I think with the fillies. The Waterhouse pair of No Looking Back and Driefontein have the runs on the board and the barrier draws that suggest that they could possibly fight out the finish as the did this day last year. Outside of this pair, there’s a few locals that wouldn’t shock if they were to produce good runs would be Discreet (like her last win and competitive in good races over the Winter) and Caliente (prepared to forgive last start, can bounce back here with a wider draw and solid speed). Of the males, Heza Jetsetter (good in the G3 Vo Rogue – will appreciate the pace in this race) and Saluter (no luck last start) are the pick.