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Red Stiletto to cement Magic Millions berth

24 December 2019

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer David Vandyke is hopeful Red Stiletto can collect further prizemoney to cement a place in next month’s $2 million Magic Millions Classic when she attempts back-to-back wins at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Red Stiletto is currently 18th in order of entry and a borderline contender for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 11.

However, Red Stiletto faces the risk of others leapfrogging her in the Magic Millions order of entry which prompted Vandyke to run her in the Group 3 B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m).

Red Stiletto made an impressive debut storming home from last to win easily on debut over 1200 metres at Doomben on December 7.

“It was by design to have her back last and she really surprised me the way she won,” Vandyke said.

“I was ready to turn her out as I didn’t think she was an early two-year-old but she’s improved a lot.

“She’s 18th in order of entry and if she can’t pick up some prizemoney in this then she won’t be going to the Magic Millions.”

Vandyke believes Red Stiletto will improve greatly next season.

“She’s a filly who will get better with time and she’ll run a lot further which is very exciting,” he said.

“I’m being careful with her because if we make the wrong move with her now it could jeopardise her future.

“She gives me every indication she’ll run 1600 metres so I expect her to be with the tailenders again and running home strongly.”

Meanwhile Vandyke made up his mind on Monday to start Alligator Blood in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1400m) rather than go straight into the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas.

He initially indicated he would wait until after Alligator Blood worked on Tuesday before committing the star three-year-old to a start in the Vo Rogue Plate.

“I was a bit worried about the heat and humidity as it can be tough on horses this time of the year but the forecast for Saturday is looking good,” he said.

“It’s not going to be as hot and humid as I feared and there’s a bit of rain around so hopefully it’ll be a lot cooler.”

Alligator Blood was caught in the last stride when second to Super Seth in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas in October and was never in doubt when he returned to win the Listed Gold Edition Stakes at Eagle Farm on December 14.

The son of multiple Group 1 winner All Too Hard is the $2.25 favourite for the Magic Millions Guineas.

The Group 1 Australian Guineas and possibly the $5 million All Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield in March have been pencilled in for Alligator Blood in the autumn.

Racing Queensland webnews    December 24