While two of the top four in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic market showed their wares at Gold Coast on Saturday, two others stayed away from the limelight with one of them, Zip Lock, taking the quieter approach earlier in the day.
The son of Hellbent threw himself into calculations for the $3 million race when taking out the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on December 27 and is equal second favourite with Shiki at $7 towards this Saturday’s race.
Co-trainer Corey Munce was quietly pleased with the colt’s progress since.
“We brought him to the Gold Coast for a gallop on Saturday morning,” Munce said.
“No land speed records were broken but the whole objective was for him to have a look at the track and imitate a race meeting so he passed with flying colours, pulled up very well and we’re very happy with him.
“He’s going to run a bold race.”
It was a deliberate ploy to send Zip Lock to Gold Coast the morning by truck from Brisbane to gallop and then head straight home again, and the preparation is helping to settle the disappointment of losing boom three-year-old Cool Archie who loomed as a strongly chance in the 3yo Guineas before succumbing to injury late last year.
“It is bittersweet but this horse, we feel, is doing a little bit more than what Cool Archie did at the same point in time and all I know that this horse will run a heck of a race next week.”
The $2 race favourite, Warwoven, won at Eagle Farm on January 3 and cemented his position at the top of the market.
Warwoven posted a Racing and Sports rating of 109 in that authoritative win while Zip Lock notched 109 in his lead-up victory.
Team Munce will be two-handed in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares (1300m) with last start Listed Nudgee Stakes (1300m) Lonhro’s Queen joined in the field by yesterday’s Magic Millions Rising Stars 3&4yo F&M Plate (1300m) winner Poster Girl.
At $11 across all-in markets towards Saturday, Chris Munce admitted that it was trainer error in trying to set Poster Girl up for Oaks-type tasks in the past and that short trips are much better to her liking.
“Lonhro’s Queen was originally heading out for a spell after her last run but being eligible for a wildcard entry into this race we’re heading there,” Corey said.
“She has been a revelation since coming here and has fitted into the Queensland lifestyle beautifully.
“There’s nothing wrong with her and she pulled up well.”
Rachel King retains the ride on Lonhro’s Queen who is the $6 equal favourite.
