Gai looks to conjure fourth piece of Magic

Posted by Amanda Coen on Jan 9, 2012 in Racing | 0 comments

Can Gai Waterhouse win her fourth Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday? Her unbeaten filly Driefontein is the pre-post Sportingbet favourite, narrowly ahead of Sizzling. The only other horse in the market is Amorino.

On the plus side, Waterhouse knows the type of juvenile it takes to win and she’s given Driefontein the benefit of a local run. The filly travels on the speed, a big advantage at the Gold Coast. There is no doubt Sizzling has the ability to turn the tables on her. He got a long way out of his ground after drawing wide at his past two starts and rattled home, but will the tight circuit suit him? I’m going wide of the top fancies for the winner.

Like Driefontein, Amorino is undefeated in two starts. Lady Colours, who he comfortably accounted for last start, came out and won on the weekend, franking the formlines. Surely Amorino’s trainer Gerald Ryan is due for a change of luck in the $2 million race after placings with Schiffer, Snitzel and Danbird?

Of the roughies, don’t give up on Hidden Warrior. He was brave in the Breeders Plate and while Hoss Amor mowed him down at Wyong, the Paul Perry-trained youngster will be over the odds. Fundido is a knockout as well. A brilliant winner of his first start, he disappointed last time but he has trialled well since and will sport winkers. Chris Waller isn’t one to push his youngsters, even given the lucrative prize money on offer, and his decision to press on should be respected.

Waller also has top prospects in the Guineas (1400m) with Hoylonny. His only defeat was at his first start when a narrow third to subsequent Victoria Derby winner Sangster. He has plenty of upside and looks value in early markets at $11. Favourite Safusa has been ultra-impressive; particularly last start when he overcame the outside barrier to cruise to victory at Wyong.

While the focus is on the two- and three-year-olds the support races have plenty of appeal and should offer some value. For latest markets go to www.sportingbet.com.au

 

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