Miss Cover Girl Faces Tough Assignment in Magic Millions Open

Veteran hoop Damian Browne is pleased to be partnering Miss Cover Girl in Saturday’s Magic Millions Open (1300m), but concedes that the Group 1 winner faces a big task in winning under the conditions of the race.

Miss Cover Girl will not have conditions to suit in Saturday's Magic Millions Open. Photo: Daniel Costello

Miss Cover Girl will not have conditions to suit in Saturday’s Magic Millions Open. Photo: Daniel Costello

Miss Cover Girl has been the stable star for Kelly Schweida throughout her entire racing career so far; posting a commendable eight wins and as many minors through twenty-nine starts, highlighted by her maiden win at the highest level in last year’s Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m).

Browne told Racing Ahead that he has no doubt the Monashee Mountain mare is the class horse of the 2017 Magic Millions Open field, but believes a firm track and her allocation of a wide and awkward barrier will play against her chances on Saturday.

“She’s a Group 1 performer and probably not many in this race are – she’s the class horse of the race,” Browne said.

“She’s been dogged with wide barriers and firm tracks this preparation and she’s got that again tomorrow to overcome.

“She’s going to need a bit of luck, but like I said she’s the class horse in the race so you couldn’t count her out.”

Taking out each of her first four starts upon debuting to racing during the early stages of 2014, Miss Cover Girl announced herself to the greater Australian racing community when she beat a talented field to the line in the Group 3 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m) at Randwick during The Championships in 2015.

Finishing mid-pack in the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Quality (1300m) in 2016, Miss Cover Girl resumed in winter for second in the Listed Silk Stocking (1200m) before placing a luckless seventh in the Listed Bright Shadow Quality (1200m) a fortnight later.

Running on for fourth in the Group 2 QTC Cup (1300m) on June 11th, the mare out of Tolart was rated little chance in the Tattersall’s Tiara but led from start to finish; beating home the likes of Azkadellia and Precious Gem.

Miss Cover Girl is currently available at 2017 Magic Millions Open odds of $17 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.