Top Drop can join his Gerald Ryan-trained stablemate Amorino as a leading contender for Magic Millions riches with a solid performance in the Carrington Stakes.
Amorino secured his place among the favourites for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) with victory at Rosehill on Saturday while Top Drop will contest the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) on January 14 at the Gold Coast.
The four-year-old meets a crack field in Monday’s 1100m scamper at Warwick Farm and Ryan is under no illusions about the task.
The Joe Pride-trained Rain Affair is the dominant favourite for the Listed race but Ryan is convinced Top Drop can be competitive.
Placed in last year’s Magic Millions Guineas, Top Drop has not raced for nine weeks since his second to Facile Tigre in a Listed 1200m race down the Flemington straight.
“He’s fit and well and is getting ready for the Magic Millions Cup,” Ryan said.
“I would have preferred a 1200 metre race to get him ready for the 1400 metres at the Gold Coast but he is fit and well and has a good record fresh.
“But Rain Affair will be be the one to beat.”
The winner of seven of his eight starts, Rain Affair has been touted by many including his trainer as a potential Group One winner.
“He is a horse on the cusp of being a stable star and a Group One horse,” Pride said.
He confirmed he was on track for his first-up assignment with a 4-1/2 length win in an 822m barrier trial at Warwick Farm last Friday week.
Rain Affair was at $1.28 on Sunday with TAB Sportsbet to win the Carrington with Top Drop next best at $7.
Corey Brown rides Rain Affair, Hugh Bowman is on Top Drop while Jim Cassidy will be aboard Rain Affair’s stablemate Recorrido ($11).
The small but select field will be reduced to seven with trainer Bob Pearse to give Nash Rambler and easier assignment in the benchmark 75 for fillies and mares in preference to the stakes race.
Last year’s Carrington winner Jest Crewsin’ was a $21 chance to repeat following his last start seventh of eight in the Razor Sharp won by News Alert.
AAP TURF
