Jockey Chris Munce will miss the Boxing Day meeting at the Sunshine Coast to prepare himself for bigger things a day later.
Munce will ride the odds on favourite Wicked Intent in the Group Three B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Wicked Intent – Chris Munce
Wicked Intent, who is trained by Munce’s father-in-law Barry Mitchell, is unbeaten in three starts by a combined margins of 11 lengths.
“It is Christmas and I want to spend it with my family and enjoy myself. Also there wasn’t a lot for me at the Sunshine Coast,” Munce said.
“Christmas is always a busy time for a jockey but you have to also enjoy your family when you get a chance.”
Munce said Wicked Intent had continued to progress since his easy win in the Phelan Ready Stakes (1050m) two weeks ago.
“One thing we know he can handle the Gold Coast and he has drawn a good barrier on Saturday. But we are not getting ahead of ourselves just yet,” Munce said.
Munce has won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic three times with Sunblazer, Excellerator and Dance Hero, but admits to win the race for his father-in-law would be a special thrill.
