By Glenn Davis
The picture leading into next month’s $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic could become a lot clearer following Sunday’s Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes at Doomben.
Star Queensland colt Palazzo Spirit will face his moment of truth when he lines up against boom Sydney filly Coolangatta, as both youngsters step up to 1200 metres for the first time.
Coolangatta has been all the rage for the two-year-old feature following her brilliant win in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes at Randwick in October and is currently the $2.25 market leader for the Magic Millions race.
Palazzo Spirit - a Baylee Nothdurft mount - is on the fourth line of betting at $15 after winning his only two starts, including his latest all the way win in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes at Eagle Farm two weeks ago.
The Proven Thoroughbreds colt is currently sitting second on the order of entry with $136,400 in prizemoney while Coolangatta is fifth with $84,000.
Co-trainer Matt Hoysted is delighted with Palazzo Spirit ahead of his showdown with the Maher & Eustace-trained Coolangatta and has no concern about him going the extra distance.
“He’s been very good since his last win in the Phelan Ready and his work on Tuesday was very good,” Hoysted said.
“Coolangatta obviously will be hard to beat but this will be a good guide for the Magic Millions.
“Palazzo Spirit trialled well before he won his first race at Eagle Farm then he did the same just before the Phelan Ready.
“I don’t have an issue with him running 1200 metres.
“He’s just been floating over the ground over 1000 metres and has stargazed a bit but I’d love to see him get a sit and chase.”