Colourful owner John Singleton had one simple instruction for Clarry Conners.
“When he gave me the horse he said, `I want her to win the Magic Millions. If you win the Slipper too that’s OK but win the Magic Millions’,” Conners said.
That horse was Dear Demi who will stake her claim for a start in next month’s Gold Coast showpiece when she steps out in Thursday’s Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1100m).
The Conners-Singleton combination has already tasted success in the Gold Coast feature with Mirror Mirror five years ago.
“And Belle Du Jour ran second in the Magic Millions then she won the Golden Slipper,” Conners said.
“We’ve had the two get there and they’ve done well.”
Like both Mirror Mirror and Belle Du Jour, Dear Demi is by Dehere.
Conners says his latest protege compares nicely to his former top youngsters, although being out of a Zabeel mare he suspects she might be better again next season.
“She’s more precocious,” Conners said.
“She’s a bigger, stronger filly than both of those fillies.
“Sometimes you think that might be great but she might be a three-year-old. She might be better next prep.”
Dear Demi finished fourth at her only start in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) during the spring when she was shuffled back but made good late ground.
“She drew out a bit and got a long way back which wasn’t the plan,” Conners said.
“But she finished the race off terrific.
“We were going to run her again but we couldn’t find a suitable rider so we put her out.”
Dear Demi won a Warwick Farm barrier trial last week in preparation for the Wyong feature which boasts a $200,000 prizemoney purse.
She was a $6.50 chance with TAB Sportsbet on Wednesday with Breeders Plate runner-up Hidden Warrior the $4 co-favourite alongside Adelaide colt Little Critter.
Conners will also be represented in the Magic Millions Wyong 3YO Stakes (1200m) by Bolero Dancer.
Runner-up for the fourth time in five starts at Hawkesbury earlier this month, he will be on trial for a trip to Queensland.
“He was wide all the way last start and he chased and chased,” Conners said.
“He’s only been out of the placings once. He’s an honest horse.”
Wyong’s Magic Millions race day was the key formguide for the 2011 Gold Coast carnival with Karuta Queen and Torio’s Quest winning the two-year-old and three-year-old doubles respectively.
AAP TURF
