Erhart to coax Architect to upset win in Magic Millions

Renowned two year old rider veteran jockey Tony Erhart will have to call on all of his experience to coax the wayward Architect to an upset win in the $2m Jeep Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Trained by Erhart’s wife Lorraine, Architect only gained a run in the two year old Classic with the scratching of Gold Coast filly Purrific by Racing Queensland stewards after the Gillian Heinrich trained youngster pulled up sore following morning trackwork.

Architect has been posted a $26 chance but Lorraine says that he is in with a genuine chance after doing plenty wrong when third to Missy Longstocking in the Group 3 $150,000 B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on December 29.

“He was running into the other horses and if he had of went straight he could have won,” Lorraine said.

“That’s all to do with experience but I’m sure he will improve a bit on that run and hopefully his manners will too.

“Tony has ridden him a race now as well and it’s well documented that he is one of the best riders of two-year-olds in Queensland.”

Tony is nearing the end of a long successful career in the saddle but is still highly regarded as a top rider of young horses in the twilight of his riding days and will get a good run midfield from barrier five.

Lorraine and Tony are also hoping to chalk up their first feature race success together since Lorraine took up her trainers licence twenty-eight years ago.

While Tony has ridden a host of winners for Lorraine over the years, the husband wife combination is yet to pick up a feature race trophy together for the display cabinet.

“So it would be a big thrill for all of us if he could win, like it would be for anyone,” Lorraine said.

Clarry Conners’ filly Assail remains the short priced favourite at $2.80 after drawing the inside gate while second pick Clevadude has drifted slightly to $3.80 coming up with barrier eighteen.

Local pair Missy Longstocking and Real Surreal share the next line of betting at $9 with Greytfilly next at $13.

Craig Williams will be able to park Assail wherever he likes, in front or just behind the leaders whereas Craig Newitt will have to use Clevadude’s early speed to cross the field before the first turn from his outside draw.

While Damian Browne on Missy Longstocking will be sitting just on the pace waiting to pounce when the field hits the straight.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.