By Glenn Davis
Trainer Gai Waterhouse’s bid for a fifth Magic Millions Classic suffered a serious blow when Unite And Conquer and Czarson drew poorly for the $2 million feature at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Unite And Conquer drew barrier 18 for the 1200-metre sprint while Czarson fared little better in gate 15.
Unite And Conquer is unbeaten in two starts after winning the Listed Maribynong Trial at Flemington in October before claiming the Wyong Magic Millions Classic last month.
Czarson, who beat Unite And Conquer in a recent barrier trial in Sydney, also is unbeaten in two starts after winning at Gosford and Rosehill.
Unite And Conquer was a $5 favourite before Tuesday’s barrier draw but is now out to $6 while Czarson is at $7.00.
Godolphin’s Exhilarates’ has firmed into a $5.50 favourite after drawing gate nine.
Waterhouse, who co-trains the pair with Adrian Bott, last won the Magic Millions Classic with Driefontein in 2012 which followed Dance Hero (2004), Excellerator (2001) and Assertive Lad (2000).
Unite And Conquer is the top money earner with $184,750 while Czarson has earned a place with almost $75,000 in stakes money.
Trainer Ciaron Maher was over the moon when Group 3 Breeders Plate winner Dubious drew barrier seven.
“I’m rapt with the draw,” Maher said.
“He’ll probably come into six without the emergencies so that’s even better.”
Maher, who co-trains the Not A Single Doubt colt with David Eustace, cannot fault Dubious following his first-up win at Eagle Farm last month.
“He’s really switched on. The draw is another box he’s ticked and he’s working well,” Maher said.
“He’s a very good eater and he loves his grub.”
Maher believes traveling horses plays a major part in their development and is confident Dubious can win the Magic Millions Classic.
“It helps horses to travel them and the Gold Coast will be the 10th track he’s worked on,” he said.
“I think his last run has really brought him on.”
Leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan received a massive boost in the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) when Outback Barbie drew perfectly in barrier 3 to cement her place as a $2.60 favourite.
In contrast her biggest rival, fellow Queenslander Boomsara drew badly in gate 18 and is second favourite at $4.80.
Racing Queensland webnews January 8