Brisbane trainer Liam Birchley will run up his frequent flyer points as he prepares for possible Millions results in two countries.
Birchley will have three runners in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast on Saturday but first he will supervise the final step in Hardline’s quest for the Karaka Million in New Zealand.
Hardline was an impressive winner at Doomben at his first start and then had little luck when seventh to Giulietta at Rosehill last Saturday.
Birchley will give Hardline a jump-out at Randwick on Friday ahead of the youngster’s trans-Tasman journey.
“I will put blinkers on him to sharpen him up,” Birchley said.
“He will then fly out to New Zealand on Tuesday night and that will give him enough time to settle in for the Karaka Million on January 25 (at Ellerslie).”
Hardline is the first Australian winner by Haunui Farm stallion Showcasing and cost $130,000 as a yearling.
Birchley won the Karaka Million with Sister Havana in 2010 and finished second with Sarge in Charge a year later.
He is hoping he can also translate his past successes on Gold Coast Magic Millions day into a win in the Classic (1200m).
His runners Saga of the Storm (barrier 10), Flamenco (2) and Pepperano (17) appeared to have mixed luck in the draw but Birchley was not sure which one would be disadvantaged.
“The big question is how the track will play out. There has been a lot of rain in recent weeks and perhaps a wide draw won’t be the usual disadvantage,” Birchley said.
“But we will have to wait and see what tactics we use after watching the first few races.”
Birchley’s Classic record includes a second by Paprika in 2009, and thirds in the past two years from Missy Longstocking and Ruby Soho.
The trainer has won the Magic Millions Cup with Pepperwood and also the Magic Millions Sprint with Shamrock Slipper and Helter Skelter.
