Multiple Group One-winning trainer Tony McEvoy might have had a rocky start to his quest for a second Magic Millions 2YO Classic but things are now starting to fall into place.
McEvoy, who is now in partnership with his son Calvin, won the 2018 2YO Classic with Sunlight after some similar problems and he is hoping for a repeat change of luck.
He had transport issues getting his horses to Queensland and also had problems getting them into some vital lead-up races.
Sunlight ensured she made the field for the Magic Millions Classic when she won the Gold Coast two-year-old race the week before the Millions.
This year the lead-up race has been split and McEvoy has Lopez and Bribery in the fillies division with either neeing to win to get into the Millions.
McEvoy was pleased the pair beat the ballot and drew well with Lopez in two and Bribery three.
McEvoy said he had a slight leaning to Lopez who was a short-priced favourite when third at the Gold Coast two weeks ago.
“She is better than that and had no luck when she was slowly away,” McEvoy said.
“It is easy to be smart after the event but in hindsight Barend (Vorster) should have stayed where he was for the early part of the race instead of sweeping around them.
“But in his defence he looked up and saw those in front of him were doing nothing. He thought he should get going and then got pushed deep on the home turn.
“I would be expecting her to race well on Saturday.”
Lopez is a $500,000 filly by top sire Zoustar out of the Group Three winner Fancy Feet.
Bribery won her only start at Morphettville and is a victim of the lower prize money in South Australia.
She has earned $29,000 and might sneak into the Millions field with a second place.
“She was very professional in her win in Adelaide and that is a big thing for a two-year-old,” McEvoy said.
“She is raced by an all female syndicate so we would love to make the field to chase the $500,000 bonus for women owners.”
Bribery, who cost $110,000, is a daughter of top Queensland sire Spirit of Boom who recently had his 100th individual winner.
She has a Magic Millions pedigree as her dam Hold For Ransom is a half-sister to 2013 2YO Classic winner Real Surreal.
Hugh Bowman will ride Bribery while Luke Currie is aboard Lopez.
