Champion hoop Jim Cassidy will chase a third Magic Millions Classic victory on Saturday while one of his younger rivals is hoping his first riding experience at the Gold Coast is a memorable one in the $2 million feature.
Cassidy rides third favourite Amorino in the 1200m scamper while fellow Sydney-based hoop Brenton Avdulla will steer Wyong Magic Millions winner Hoss Amor.
“I’ve never ridden at the Gold Coast before,” Avdulla, who turns 21 next week, said.
“I’ve ridden in Brisbane but never at the Gold Coast. My goal is pretty much to win as many big races as I can. It’s a $2 million race and it would be a big buzz if I can win it.”
Avdulla has a ride in the opening race, the Magic Millions Maiden Plate, before the feature event and he’ll also partner Adnocon in the Magic Millions Cup later in the day.
The John O’Shea-trained Hoss Amor burst into Magic Millions calculations when she ran down Hidden Warrior to claim the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO (1100m) last month.
“She has trained on well, I’ve galloped her a couple of times since she won at Wyong and she seems to be on track,” Avdulla said.
“John is a good trainer of two-year-olds and it was always the plan to go from that race to the Magic Millions.”
While Avdulla will be chasing his first success at the Gold Coast, wins on Dancer’s Joy (1990) and Catnipped (1998) have 48-year-old Cassidy well aware of what’s required to win the Magic Millions.
“I think he can win the race, without a doubt,” Cassidy said of the unbeaten Amorino.
“But I don’t underestimate anything. You always need luck in any race.”
Amorino scored by 2-1/2 lengths over 1000m on debut at Randwick in October and then returned from a break with another impressive display over 1100m at Rosehill on December 31.
Cassidy believes the colt, who is third favourite at $6.50, can get the right run from a good draw (barrier six if the emergencies don’t get a start).
“Gai’s horse (Driefontein) looks like it will probably lead from where it is drawn and I can be where I like really in the first couple,” Cassidy said.
“I think he’s going to be suited ridden just a touch quieter. He’s going to travel just behind the speed somewhere in the first four or five and I couldn’t be happier with him.
“Everything is falling into place and all we need is a bit of luck.”
AAP TURF
