Drawing the inside barrier could prove a double blessing for Candika in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast.
The filly has won both her starts over 1110m and 1050m, coming from well back in the field and finishing strongly.
Candika
Trainer Steve O’Dea has been keen to get Candika out to 1200m and believes she will run over even further later in her career.
Horses drawn inside barrier five have won four of the past five Magic Millions Classics and O’Dea believes gate one should be perfect for Candika on Saturday in a race where there is always a hot pace.
“There haven’t been many Magic Millions two-year-old races which haven’t been run at a breakneck speed,” O’Dea said.
“She should be able to be closer from the good barrier and the other plus is she can follow the favourite Capitalist.”
“He is drawn right beside us in barrier two. It is a perfect opportunity to follow him into the race.”
The Eagle Farm trainer gets a chance to step into the big time with Candika who he believes will be a top three-year-old.
“Whether we bring her back for the winter or even the autumn this year will be up to how she goes in the spelling paddock,” he said.
O’Dea has enjoyed success with her owners Proven Thoroughbreds, most notably with Sir Moments who won the 2014 Group two Queensland Guineas.
“Proven Thoroughbreds boss Jamie Walter has been very good to me. It would be an added thrill to win the Millions for them as they put a lot into racing,” he said.
