Chris Munce will test the Tony Gollan-trained Vienna Royale as his Magic Millions mount when racing returns to Toowoomba next week.
Munce, who is aiming for his fourth win in next month’s $2 million Gold Coast feature, will get a feel for the opposition when he keeps the seat warm for the suspended Tommy Berry on Echo Gal at Doomben on Saturday.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained Echo Gal is edging Saturday’s Bruce McLachlan Stakes rival for Magic Millions favouritism.
The Tony Gollan-trained Vienna Royale was one of the early favourites but was sent back to trial in front of stewards after doing a left-hand turn as he jumped at his last appearance when unplaced as a short-priced favourite three weeks ago.
“I really liked the feel of him when I rode him in a jump out at Eagle Farm on Tuesday,” Munce said.
“I will ride him in the Hopeful Plate next Tuesday at Toowoomba and all being well probably stick with him for the Millions.”
“He did everything right in the jump-out and he is a nice type of a horse.”
Munce will make a final decision on whether he sticks with Vienna Royale in the Magic Millions after the Hopeful Stakes.
The 1000m event is one of eight races on the program which heralds the return of racing to Toowoomba.
The track has been closed for six months and the former all-weather surface replaced by grass in a redevelopment which has cost almost $7 million.
The Listed Bernborough Handicap is the feature race on the New Year’s Eve card.
