North Queensland youngster He’s A Ladies Man will be making a late charge to secure a spot in the field of next week’s $2m Jeep Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast when he lines at Eagle Farm tomorrow.
He’s A Ladies Man is officially twenty-third in the order of entry with $32,000 but with several two year olds ahead of him unlikely to start, trainer Trevor Rowe could sneak into the field if the All Bar One gelding could pick up a first three cheque in the $50,000 Sirromet Love Sparkling QTIS two year old Hanidicap (1000m).
“It would be silly to think he’s a lay-down misere but I’ll be disappointed if he didn’t finish in the first three,” Rowe said.
“You know what racing’s like – you’re on top of the world today and on the bottom of the pile tomorrow but at moment he’s ticked all the boxes.”
Two year olds above He’s A Ladies Man in the qualifying list that have been announced non-runners are the Gerald Ryan trained Dothraki, David Payne’s Regimental Pride and Gai Waterhouse’s Whittington as well as the Sydney fillies Champagne Cath and Frill Seeking.
He’s A Ladies Man is a winner of his only two starts in North Queensland at Townsville and Cairns in October and Rowe settled the gelding in at Toowoomba before Christmas to prepare for the Magic Millions.
Rowe gave the two year old a solid hit out in a Toowoomba barrier trial where he finished second followed by another gallop at the beginning of the week.
“In the trial he did everything he was required to do. I couldn’t be more pleased with him,” Rowe said.
If He’s A Ladies Man can gain a spot in next week’s Magic Millions field, he is certain the Gold Coast track won’t be a problem with his ability to take up a handy position a big advantage on the tight circuit.
“His best attribute is his gate speed and it’ll take a fast one to head him off but if something wants to take him on he’ll be able to take a trail no trouble at all,” Rowe said.
Rowe has put his confidence in stable apprentice Braydn Swaffer and has given the seventeen year old his chance to display his talents at Eagle Farm.
“Braydn has a very good work ethic and he’s ridden He’s A Ladies Man from the day he was broken in,” Rowe said.
“At home he’s ridden doubles and trebles at the Cairns Amateurs meeting and is always in big demand with a full book every meeting.”
If He’s A Ladies Man does make it to the Gold Coast next week, he will be eligible for the $500,000 bonus distributed to the first four all female owned or leased horses past the post, with Rowe’s wife Helen part of the all women ownership.
The Clarry Conners trained Assail heads the market for the 2yo Magic Millions at $2.80 with Rick Hore-Lacy’s Clevadude at $3.60 while He’s A Ladies Man is at the long odds of $61.
