Echo Gal New 2014 Magic Millions Favourite

Echo Gal is the new favourite for the 2014 Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic (1200m) after recording an impressive victory in the Tab Rewards Plate (1000m) at Warwick Farm this afternoon.

Tommy Berry will appeal his suspension in Hong Kong and remains a chance to partner Echo Gal at the Magic Millions.

Tommy Berry will appeal his suspension in Hong Kong and remains a chance to partner Echo Gal at the Magic Millions. Photo by: Steve Hart

There was plenty of hype in the lead-up to Echo Gal’s racing debut, with the filly a well-backed favourite, and she justified the support by running away from the rest of the field in the final stages of the race to record an effortless four lengths victory from I Am Snippety and Uratta Belle.

Jockey Tommy Berry, who partnered the daughter of Stratum to victory in a barrier trial at Randwick on November 21, was happy with the performance and expects that two-year-old to improve when she faces stiffer competition at her next start.

“She had to do a bit of work early to cross them but I was pleased with the way she pulled away,” Berry said after the race.

“I am tipping her last furlong wouldn’t have been overly quick because she floated with me down the straight but when she gets a bit of competition she really goes on.

“I think she will improve off that.”

Echo Gal is now available at odds of $6 to win the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic at the Gold Coast on January 11 next year but Berry is no certainty to be able to ride the talented filly in the $2 million race after being suspended at Sha Tin last Sunday.

Berry was charged with failing to ride Smart Man to the line in the race on the card at the Hong Kong International Meeting and was ruled out for 20 meetings but will appeal the decision in an attempt to be available for the Magic Millions Carnival.

“I spoke to Hong Kong today; it is in the process of when they can do it,” Berry told TVN.

“I am not sure whether or not I have to go back, hopefully not but after that I might have to make the trip.”

Berry is highly regarded in Hong Kong and was offered a number of rides; with the rising jockey steering John Moore-trained Let Me Go to victory in the Tokyo Handicap (1800m) before partnering Able Friend to success in the Dublin Handicap (1600m) for the leading Hong Kong trainer.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.