By Brad Bishop (Racing and Sports)
Spywire will be out to lock away his place in next week's Magic Millions 2YO Classic when he runs in Saturday's $150,000 Gold Nugget on the Gold Coast.
The son of Trapeze Artist was in 21st position in the most recent order of entry and should be safe with at least six runners ahead of him already ruled out of the 1200-metre event, but this Saturday's two juvenile races at the Gold Coast present horses with the opportunity to improve their position.
Spywire was expected to secure his place in the $3 million event on the Gold Coast in last month's Wyong Magic Millions Classic, in which he was run down by Highness, but co-trainer Ciaron Maher is thrilled with what he has seen from the $520,000 yearling since.
"He's great, really well, he's in good order," Maher, who trains with David Eustace, said.
"I'm still very happy with him."
Spywire is one of six runners in the 1100m Gold Nugget with Defiant Boom , on the back-up after running second last weekend, Listed Phelan Ready Stakes winner Beau Dazzler and Tony Gollan first-starter Balastier, who has looked slick at the trials, among his rivals.
Spywire has drawn barrier two, which presents Craig Williams with the chance to lead, as Spywire has done at both starts to date, but Maher wouldn't mind seeing him ridden with a trail.
The Magic Millions-winning trainer thinks his best chance of winning this year's juvenile feature could be having something to chase.
"He's been ridden forward, but that's because of the way it's panned out," he said.
"If he's able to draw a gate (it will be good). If he finds a bum, he'll drop his head."
The Gold Nugget is joined on Saturday's Gold Coast program by the Gold Pearl, in which last-start Ballarat Magic Millions Classic winner Arabian Summer is favourite ahead of Gollan-trained first-starter Moulin Miss.