By Glenn Davis
Trainer Barry Lockwood will be hoping for a high attrition rate in the Magic Millions Guineas if promising colt Doss is successful at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Doss will attempt to sneak into the $2 million feature at the Gold Coast on Saturday week when the gelding runs in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap (1400m).
Doss took his prizemoney to just short of $60,000 when he won first-up over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm last month, well short of the qualification cut-off.
Lockwood admits Doss faces a huge task to make the Magic Millions Guineas but a few drop outs above him will boost his chances.
A win tomorrow will lift Doss’ prizemoney to just over $100,000 but he could still be short of making the 16-horse field.
Doss was a $170,000 buy at the Magic Millions and has drawn awkwardly in barrier nine.
“He’ll be close to getting in if he has $100,000 in prizemoney,” Lockwood said.
“It’s very tight but it would help if there’s a few dropouts.”
Doss had picked up prizemoney in all six starts but his only success was a slashing victory over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm on December 22.
Lockwood has a relatively small team based at Eagle Farm and has been in great form with four wins from his past 10 starters.
He already has a runner on Magic Millions day with Fiery Heights who earned a wild card for the $1 million Snippets Handicap after claiming the Listed Falvelon Quality at Doomben on Saturday.
Doss has drawn awkwardly in barrier nine and Lockwood will be relying on a super ride from jockey Dale Smith.
“His last win was only over 1000 metres but it was very good,” Lockwood said.
“He raced up to 1600 metres as a two-year-old but wasn’t strong enough.
“I’ve got no doubt he’ll eventually get to 1600 metres so the long-term aim will be the Queensland Guineas in the winter.
“I’m not worrying too much about the opposition tomorrow but he’ll need luck in running.”
Racing Queensland webnews January 4