Straddling two states north and south this weekend, Michael Hickmott is eyeing prizes on the first day of the Magic Millions Carnival at Gold Coast but is also playing closer to home with strong chances.
Cielao heads to Murray Bridge on Saturday in search of a third win in succession and will start in the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1400m) as the $2.80 favourite jumping from barrier two.
The lightly races four-year-old has delivered four wins and one placing in her eight-start career so far and Hickmott cannot see why her run should not be able to stretch further.
“She’s trained on well since her last start and we train from a farm so these horses stay up for a long time,” Hickmott said.
“At some stage she’s going to find her mark ratings-wise but she’s got a three-kilo claim.
Caitlin Tootel takes the ride above the mare with that apprentice’s claim bringing the impost down to 56-kilos.
Cielao was scratched from a race at Gawler on January 3 when drawn in barrier ten.
“There’s no reason to think that she’s not going to be competitive again on Saturday,” Hickmott added.
“We scratched the other day due to an awkward draw and we’re just going to proceed ahead.”
Earlier on the card, Hickmott has Carpe Astra seeking to break the duck in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Maiden Plate (1100m) and is in the market as the second favourite at $4.40.
“Carpe Astra won’t run further back than second,” Hickmott said.
“Her only danger really is (favourite) Bardigrub.”
Carpe Astra, a three-year-old daughter of Lord Of The Sky finished third at her first race day outing at Murray Bridge on December 20 with that maiden race having delivered a winner and a placegetter since.
The filly then sharpened up with a jump out win over 600m earlier this week.
