The 2015 Magic Millions Classic field has been released with a capacity field of 16 two-year-olds as well as five emergencies set to contest the $2 million event at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Wicked Intent is one of the leading chances in the 2015 Magic Millions Classic. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Barry Mitchell-trained Wicked Intent had his undefeated streak ended by Mishani Honcho in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at the Gold Coast on December 27, but we still carry the number one saddlecloth in the Magic Millions Classic.
Wicked Intent started his racing career with a comfortable win in the Sequalo Legacy Plate (900m) at the Gold Coast on October 4 and he stamped himself as a leading Magic Millions Classic contender with dominant four and a half lengths wins in the Breakfast Creek Hotel Handicap (1050m) at Doomben on November 29 and the Listed Phelan Ready Plate (1050m) at the same venue on December 13 before his surprise loss in the B.J. McLachlan Stakes.
The Wicked Style colt is one of only five males in the Magic Millions Classic final field; with Wyong Magic Millions winner Zoutenant, last start winner Le Chef, Andrew Noblet-trained Old Trieste and Team Hawkes-trained Surf Seeker the only other males in the field.
Gai Waterhouse has won the Magic Millions Classic on four previous occasions and she will be represented in the 2015 edition of the race by Carriages.
Carriages was thrown into Magic Millions Classic reckoning when she scored an upset win over the talented Prompt Return in the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic (1000m) at Ballarat on November 22, but has not been seen at the races since due to a fitness setback.
Waterhouse remains happy with the condition of Carriages, despite the Hinchinbrook filly not having a start in over a month, and believes that the two-year-old can replicate the feat of Driefontein, who won the Magic Millions Classic without a lead-up run in 2012.
Fellow Sydney trainer Gerald Ryan has Perignon in the Magic Millions Classic field, while Gary Portelli-trained Racy received the last automatic place in the race after Waterhouse elected not to accept with impressive debut winner Giulietta.
Queensland trainer Liam Birchley is chasing a maiden win in the Magic Millions Classic and will have three chances to score a breakthrough win in the race after including Flamenco, Saga Of The Storm and Pepperano in the acceptances.
Flamenco and Saga Of The Storm are both taking winning form into the Magic Millions Classic, after winning the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1050m) and Brisbane Marriott Hotel Handicap respectively, while Pepperano finished fourth in the Toowoomba Magic Millions Plate on December 31.
The stable of David Hayes and Tom Dabernig will also have two starters in the Magic Millions Classic, in the form of Miss Idyllic and Claudia Jean, while Waterhouse could have two runners if second emergency Right Of Way earns a start.
The 2015 Magic Millions Classic field is rounded out by Toowoomba Magic Millions winner Frequendly, Nick Oliver-trained Single Gaze and Falvelon filly Madotti, while Flamenco Girl, Real Good, Star Of Night and Wicked Investment are the remaining emergencies.
