Classy colt Charlie Boy has drifted in 2014 Magic Millions Guineas betting markets after drawing gate 16 at the barrier draw this morning, but jockey Michael Rodd has revealed he is happy with the wide draw.
Charlie Boy will be return to the races for the first time since the Caulfield Guineas in the Magic Millions Guineas at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Rodd said last week that Charlie Boy needs plenty of room to perform at his best, like he did when he took out the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) in impressive fashion during the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival, and posted on Twitter that he believes barrier 16 is ideal.
“Perfect draw for Charlie, few chances have drawn around him, can’t wait for Saturday,” Rodd posted.
Charlie Boy is the only three-year-old that is heading into the Magic Millions Guineas without a lead-up run but both Rodd and trainer Gerald Ryan are happy with the fitness of the colt following two fair performances in barrier trials at Rosehill Gardens on December 24 and Royal Randwick on January 3.
The Myboycharlie colt has performed well in each of his first-up starts, winning the ATC Membership On Sale Now Handicap (1100m) and Danehill Stakes as well as finishing third in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m), and Ryan is confident that he will perform well, if he behaves before the race on Saturday.
“He pulled up terrific from the trial and his fitness is no problem but if the colty Charlie Boy turns up that can be a concern,” Ryan told AAP.
“Sometimes when he is like that he can be hard to get to the barriers.
“He’s right once he’s in there but before the race he can be a handful.”
The majority of the leading chances in the 2014 Magic Millions Guineas drew towards the outside of the field and Charlie Boy will start between Wyong Magic Millions Stakes winner Sweet Idea (barrier 15) and Liam Birchley-trained Missy Longstocking.
Charlie Boy opened at Magic Millions Guineas odds of $7.50 but is now out to a price of $8.50, while Sweet Idea ($4.40 out to $4.60), Missy Longstocking ($12 to $13) and Splendora ($12 to $13) are also on the drift.
The in-form Enquare, who upset Missy Longstocking in both the Listed Mode Plate (1200m) and Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m), was the only leading contender to draw towards the inside of the field and has been backed into a quote of $4.60.
