Rex Lipp has won million-dollar races before but should Cifrado salute in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m) on Saturday, it will mean more to the veteran trainer than just the rich purse on offer.
Lipp’s relief over Cifrado returning to the winners’ circle a ten days ago when taking out the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) remains intact as the gelding looks forward to the main aim of his summer campaign.
Gelded after a disappointing run in the Listed Keith Noud Stakes (1200m) in early November, Cifrado is back to where Lipp thinks he should be.
“The monkey is off the back,” he said.
“I was a bit worried about how he’d come back after the operation but the run before the win was good and the one before that (gelding) was a shocker.
“I can’t fault him now and he is doing everything right it is all going forward.”
Cifrado, a son of Encryption who was purchased for $320,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, surpassed the $1 million in prizemoney with his Vo Rogue win.
His victory in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) when beating Snapback and fellow Guineas aspirant Chrysaor stamped his ability in mixing it at big money levels.
Chrysaor and the John O’Shea-trained Sydney Bowler share favouritism for the Guineas at $6 with Cifrado at $7.
With the barrier draw for the Magic Millions features occurring on Tuesday, Lipp will be satisfied with a gate to allow Cifrado to settle midfield comfortably.
“I think you may see a change in the pattern of the racing on Saturday,” he added with reference to this meeting being the third to be run on the new Gold Coast track surface.
“Yesterday was the first time horses were really being put up to the test but they have been getting home from back in the field so it shows that horses can finish off.
“It is a race that 1400-metres will suit Cifrado down to the ground.
“I’ve won a couple of million-dollar races but to win a $3 million race in the twilight of my career would be something.
“Here’s hoping.”
