Matt Dunn is like many trainers who are playing a guessing game as they try to qualify horses for the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Dunn has Lady Banff in the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.
The filly has won her only start and while she has amassed $79,000 only $42,500 counts towards the Magic Millions Classic in January as the rest is bonus payments.
An initial official list of Magic Millions order of entry qualifiers will not be released until early next month which has left many trainers wondering where their horses stand.
Dunn was considering running Lady Banff at the Gold Coast next Wednesday but decided to chase Saturday’s bigger prize money.
“It is hard to know exactly where we stand but if she wins Saturday or even runs second it should be enough prize money,” Dunn said.
“Of course the problem is that a win in Sydney or Melbourne can see horses leap-frog you quickly.”
“Queensland prize money has gone up but we are still a bit behind when it comes to qualifying for some of the two-year-old races.”
Dunn is planning to give Lady Banff a freshen after Saturday and then give her a lead-in run to the Millions which is seven weeks after Saturday.
“She was strong at the finish in her only win so the 1200 metres on Saturday should be no problem,” he said.
