Cody Collis eager for Magic Millions shot

By Jordan Gerrans

In what shapes as the biggest riding week of his young career, emerging Queensland hoop Cody Collis is filled with gratitude to be competing on the biggest stage on Saturday afternoon.

The 22-year-old has lived across regional Queensland throughout his life and will be in the starting gates of the Magic Millions Classic this week alongside champion jockeys such as Tommy Berry, Damian Lane and James McDonald, among others.

Collis has endured a number of ups and downs in his riding journey over the years and has taken lengthy stints away from the saddle at times, as well.

He has been backed in by Deagon conditioner James Moore to continue his association with his galloper Leaves Of Lorien in the $3 million showpiece event for two-year-olds on Saturday.

Collis has links to places such as Chinchilla, Roma and Rockhampton in the Sunshine State and admits there were times his career could have turned out a different way as he faced several different challenges.

But, with the biggest opportunity of his career on the horizon, the man known as ‘Chip’ is soaking in the opportunity.

The young hoop has never ridden on Magic Millions day before, let alone in the ‘grand final’ event of the program.

“It’s hard to find those loyal trainers that stick with you through and through, through the whole prep especially,” Collis said of the faith shown in him ahead of Saturday. 

“For a trainer like James to stay loyal with you is always something that's pretty heartfelt in this industry. 

“Obviously, there is all the good jockeys from down south coming up. 

"So, to be able to stay on a horse that you've been riding for its prep, it is always something that's good to see.

“This will be my first Magic Millions ride, so I am very excited and also very appreciative to have the ride on this horse.”

Collis is based at the Sunshine Coast and is a product of the Queensland apprentice system after working under the tutelage of Stuart Kendrick in the later stages of his time as an apprentice.

He also worked under the guidance of former top jockey-turned-trainer Adrian Coome in Rockhampton before moving south.

The Caloundra-based Kendrick has continued to back the hoop as he rode a number of horses for him on his home track on Friday at their provincial meeting.

Collis recently went past 200 winners in his career.

While he will be riding against hoops who have thousands of victories to their names on Saturday, the double ton of victories marked a special milestone for the young jockey.

“It is massive,” he said.

“Starting out, I probably didn't think I'd reach that goal. I've obviously had a bit of ups and downs in my career but to reach that for me is a great success in itself. 

“I'm proud of myself. There are a few people around me that have helped me get there, as well.”

Collis warmed up for his Magic Millions tilt with a riding double at Rockhampton last week.

He has been in the saddle of Leaves Of Lorien in the filly’s last two trips to the races before the big dance.

On both occasions she ran third to edge her way into MM calculations.  

She will be an outsider in the market when they jump on Saturday, but young conditioner Moore wouldn’t want anyone else on his consistent sprinter.

“We sat down and went through replay footage and I just singled out that Cody has two very important attributes for these young two-year-old fillies,” Moore detailed.

“With one of them being his great hands and the other is great balance.

“Cody can get the best out of these young fillies that are still learning their craft. Cody very much exhibits these two attributes and he also has a very good mentor in Damian Browne, which has instilled this in him.

“Cody has hunger and motivation – he is just coming into his prime. There's no one I'd rather go to battle with.”

As of Monday afternoon, Leaves Of Lorien is a $101 chance to create a Magic Millions fairytale.