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'Must win' race for Sydney trainer chasing Millions

22 December 2017

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By Glenn Davis

Sydney trainer Gary Moore is banking on a crucial gear change to lift Paquirri into Magic Millions Classic contention at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Moore will use winkers on Paquirri for the first time when the colt steps out in the Aquis Farm Ladies Day QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap (900m).

“I’m putting side winkers on him after he galloped and worked well with them at the Gold Coast on Tuesday,” Moore said.

“He’s a lot more focused with them on and I noticed when he ran third to Jonker at his first start at Newcastle that he was drifting away from the other horses.

“It’s a must win race for him. He’s only got $4,950 in the back so he has to win to get into the Magic Millions Classic.

“He ran a good race behind Jonker and the form has stacked up now that Jonker won so well at Wyong yesterday.”

Jonker and local filly Ef Troop are now joint favourites for the $2m Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on December 13.

Moore attempted to qualify Paquirri by sending him to Ballarat but he failed to make the Magic Millions qualifying race when named an emergency.

“He’s done a bit of travelling which can be good for horses,” Moore said.

“I sent him to Ballarat for their Magic Million race but he was first emergency and didn’t get a start.”

Meanwhile Moore is confident All Too Huiying can win the Aquis Farm Ladies Day Jan 2 QTIS Three-Year-Old (1800m).

Moore rates All Too Huiying an Australian Derby prospect next year but in the meantime, is targeting the $1m Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) next month.

“He’s won his last three starts quite well but Michael Walker suggested after his last win to put a visor on him next start,” Moore said.

“I don’t usually use it on horses so I trialled him at Randwick with the head gear and Christian Reith said he went a lot better.”

Moore is hoping both Paquirri and All Too Huiying can win to celebrate the opening of his new Gold Coast stable.

“I opened a small stable at the Gold Coast on November 1 but I’ve only had a handful of runners so I’m hoping this pair can open the account,” Moore said.

Racing Queensland webnews   December 22