There’s a sense of history repeating itself for Bjorn Baker after his filly O’ Ole drew barrier three for Saturday’s Magic Millions 2yo Classic, the same gate his sole winner in the race, Unencumbered drew in 2014, and Baker has followed a similar path this time around.
Both Unencumbered and O’ Ole won the Wyong Magic Millions 2yo Classic en route to the Gold Coast, and although O’ Olewas beaten last start, Baker believes she sets up nicely from the gate.
“I guess I’ve played enough roulette to not worry about it too much. It is what it is and sometimes you can overanalyse gates but I think gate three definitely is very helpful for her. She’s got good natural speed, she’ll be able to put herself there,” Baker said.
“I think when I won the race with Unencumbered maybe he drew three, I can’t remember. But I’ve only had the three runners in the two-year-old race before for a win and two fourths, so hopefully she can keep up that good record.”
One of just three runners in Saturday’s $3 million feature to have had more than three starts, Baker believes O’ Ole has the grounding to bounce back from a slightly disappointing fifth last start at Randwick.
“I think she’s a very nice filly. I don’t think she was quite at her best her last start. If she jumps back to that Wyong form and how she ran in the Gimcrack, I think she’s a live chance.”
“I think she’s definitely improved, her work this (Tuesday) morning was good, albeit in Sydney. So we’re happy with her going into it. She’s definitely got a good grounding and she’s seasoned enough.”
In another twist of fate tying O’ Ole and Unencumbered together, Tommy Berry will take the ride aboard O’ Ole on Saturday, while Unencumbered was ridden by Tommy’s late twin brother Nathan Berry, who tragically passed away just months after his Magic Millions victory.
O’ Ole has been warm in betting, firming into $13 since the barrier draw with the market narrowly headed by Invincible Woman at $5.00.
