It wouldn’t be Magic Millions day without Chris Munce playing a hand and he will be represented at the Gold Coast by what he believes is the best 100-1 shot ever in a big race.
The former champion jockey turned trainer holds the record for the number of wins in the Magic Millions Classic as a rider with three, Sunblazer, Dance Hero and Excellerator.
Since taking up training two years ago he has had top chances in several feature races on Millions day but has had little luck.
Munce will saddle Saint Patricks Day in Saturday’s Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) and is bemused as much as $101 has been offered about the colt’s chances.
Saint Patrick’s Day showed his class by winning the Listed Dalrello Stakes during the winter but after a fourth on an unsuitable heavy track in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes he missed the Group One J J Atkins Stakes.
“He wasn’t 100 per cent so I gave him a good spell and brought him back with the Millions Guineas in mind,” Munce said.
Saint Patricks Day has been getting back to his best in recent weeks and will be at his top in Saturday’s $2 million race.
“He wasn’t handling Doomben since his comeback. So I gave him a trial at Deagon and he and (Group One winner) Capital Gain went to the line locked together,” Munce said.
“Then we took him up to Caloundra where he beat Mishani Bullitt and that horse has since come out to win at the Gold Coast against a good field.”
Munce believes the fact Saint Patricks Day has drawn the outside barrier in Saturday’s race has influenced his price.
“Barrier 18 doesn’t look flash and he will need some luck. But the horse is going good and if he has some luck he will be in the finish,” Munce said.
“He is the best 100 to one shot you will see in a big race for a long time.”
Munce also has fifth emergency Catastrophic in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
“It would be a miracle if he got a run but his day will come,” Munce said.
Pierata remains the short-priced favourite for the Guineas.
