Racing expert Nathan Exelby has Wicked Intent on top of his 2015 Magic Millions Classic tips and he rates the talented colt the horse to beat in the $2 million event at the Gold Coast tomorrow.
Wicked Intent is on top of the 2015 Magic Millions Classic selections of Courier Mail Racing Editor Nathan Exelby. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Wicked Intent started his racing career with three impressive wins, including a four and a half lengths romp in the Listed Phelan Ready (1050m) at Doomben on December 13, but he lost his clear grip on Magic Millions Classic favouritism when he finished second behind Mishani Honcho (1200m) in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at the Gold Coast on December 27.
Exelby told RSN that Wicked Intent had plenty of excuses for his upset loss in the BJ McLachlan Stakes and he is confident that the two-year-old can bounce back and win the Magic Millions Classic this weekend.
“Wicked Intent is the one that I think is the hardest to beat,” Exelby said.
“You can assess Wicked Intent two ways.
“You can say that he had an off day at the Gold Coast last start or he has gone over the top.
“I am banking on it just being an off day.
“It was his first go at 1200 metres, not a lot went right and it was a speed duel with two that finished out the back and he battled on well.
“His two wins prior to that at Doomben were very good and he clocked good time in both of those wins.
“I think he can bounce back here and there will obviously be a lot of sentimental money for Chris Munce on his final day tomorrow.”
Another horse that Exelby is looking to back at their current 2015 Magic Millions Classic odds is Liam Birchley-trained Saga Of The Storm.
Saga Of The Storm earnt a start in the Magic Millions Classic when he recorded a strong win in the Brisbane Marriott Hotel Handicap (1110m) at Doomben on December 20 and Exelby said that he is more than happy to take the $19 currently on offer for the Real Saga filly.
“I think the best value runner in the race is Saga Of The Storm,” Exelby said.
“I’m not sure what the price is this morning, but you were getting as good as $21 at some stages this week and I don’t think she will start anywhere near that.
“The stable has never won this race, but they have gone close a number of times and Liam Birchley can get them right on this day.
“The form around her last win has stacked up pretty solidly and getting back to 1200 metres I think is a real plus for her.”
Wicked Intent ($5) is now a narrow favourite in 2015 Magic Millions Classic betting markets from Frequendly ($6), Claudia Jean ($7) and Perignon ($8).
