Rival trainer Bryan Guy was one of the few who wasn’t overawed by the win of Sydney colt Unencumbered in the Group Three B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.
The Bjorn Baker-trained Unencumbered ($4.40) had Magic Millions Classic favourite written all over him when he beat Guy’s filly Stroak ($21) by a short neck.
Unemcumbered, Nathan Berry - Photo by Daniel Costello
Sagatona ($21) was a half length back in third place.
Guy was buoyed by the run of Stroak as was her jockey Michael Cahill.
“A couple of more bounds and we get Unencumbered. It gives me plenty of hope for the Magic Millions provided we draw a decent alley,” Guy said.
Cahill, Queensland’s leading jockey, agreed that Stroak’s run was a good pointer for the Magic Millions on January 11.
However, winning jockey Nathan Berry was equally positive that Unencumbered was headed towards Magic Millions glory.
He said he had been surprised that Unencumbered had raced so close to the pace, being in fourth place behind the leaders at the 600m.
“He was just too good for them. But if anything he got to the lead too early in the straight,” Berry said.
“I think that he will be better ridden a little further back.”
He said Unencumbered was a real professional with his attitude.
Baker was beaming after the win but was not getting carried away with the result.
“There will be horses coming from Sydney. But we are on the Gold Coast now and I just hope things continue to go well in the lead up to the race,” he said.
The favourite Oakleigh Girl ($2.40) ran fourth after being in a speed battle with Echo Gal to the 600m.
“They went very hard and I am not giving up hope just yet,” said her trainer Dan Bougoure.
Echo Gal, who had been Magic Millions favorite, was under pressure at the 600m before finishing second last.
Her Magic Millions future will be decided in the next few days.
