Trainer Liam Birchley is adamant precocious filly Snipzu can re-establish herself at the top of the Magic Millions market with a bold performance in the BJ McLachlan Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
Snipzu suffered a shock defeat as favourite when third to Discreet last start after two highly-impressive wins at her previous two runs made her a leading Magic Millions contender.
But Birchley said he was far from disappointed by the defeat and warned punters to expect a far more forward showing in the $150,000 Group Three 1200m feature on Saturday.
“I didn’t have to have her tuned right up last run because she was already qualified for the Millions and she’s still not right at her top this week,” Birchley said.
“I’ve trained her to peak for the Millions but she will be right in the race this week.
“She’s still got a length or two improvement left in her.”
Remarkably, Birchley has had a runner in the past 10 consecutive Magic Millions Classics with his best result being Paprika who finished runner-up to Phelan Ready in 2009.
On the downside, not one of his runners has drawn inside barrier 10 and Birchley is already praying for better luck when alleys are drawn for the $2 million feature to be run at Gold Coast on January 14.
“The barriers at the Coast are vitally important but I can’t seem to draw a good one when it matters most,” Birchley said.
“You really need to be drawn inside to be a chance of winning and I am just hoping I have better luck this year.”
Birchley’s most recent Magic Millions runner Pepper Jet, who finished fourth last year, continues on the comeback trail in the Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) on Saturday after undergoing a throat operation.
Birchley said Pepper Jet was pleasing him in his preparation but warned punters to tread warily.
“You never know how they will come back after a wind operation until they prove themselves,” he said.
AAP TURF
