Trainer Stuart Kendrick only has to look at the effort of another Caloundra-trained horse in a Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic to lift his confidence with Fullazaboot in the $2 million race.
Kendrick was naturally deflated when Fullazaboot drew the outside barrier in the Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday..
“It couldn’t be any worse in terms of a barrier so we will have to hope for luck,” Kendrick said.
Statistics have given Kendrick some hope as three horses have won the Classic from the outside alley – Molokai Prince, Malibu Magic And Houtzen.
Five other horses have won from barriers 13 or 15.
But Kendrick likes to look at the effort of Caloundra-trained Phelan Ready when he won in 2009.
Phelan Ready had been near the top of the Millions betting before drawing a tricky barrier and blowing out to $51.
Rain during the week took the edge off the track and the Bruce McLachlan-trained gelding stormed home to win.
Phelan Ready later won the Group One Golden Slipper to become the second horse to complete the double with Dance Hero successful in 2004.
Kendrick said while fine weather was predicted for most of the week there was a forecast of storms in south east Queensland on Saturday.
“Probably no one else would want one but a storm late in the week would be handy,” he said.
“A wet track suiting the horses coming wide would be lovely.”
“To date Fullazaboot has not been on a dry track as his two race starts and two trials have been on wet going.”
Fullazaboot hasn’t had a race start since December 9 but Kendrick is confident he is ready to run a big race.
“He trialled very strongly two weeks ago at Caloundra and that topped him off nicely,” he said.
Win or lose on Saturday Kendrick is confident he has a future top class horse.
Fullazaboot is by 2011 Slipper winner Sepoy out of Fullazz, the winner of four races from 900 to1533 metres.
He is at $34 with Sunlight the TAB’s $4 favourite on Thursday.
