Trainer Kelly Schweida and jockey Matt McGillivray are both hoping former Victorian Mighty Like’s win at the Gold Coast is an omen for the future but for different reasons.
Schweida will have Shogun Sun in the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas on Saturday and probably Cellargirl although she is also nominated for the fillies and mares race.
McGillivray will ride the Tony Gollan-trained Ef Troop who is one of the leading contenders for the Magic Millions Classic.
Mighty Like was having his first run since finishing 10th in the Seymour Cup in October when he won the Open Handicap at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
It took the gelding’s first-up record to seven starts for four wins and two seconds.
“He is very good fresh and he did trial very well at the Gold Coast previously. He is eight years old but there are probably some more races for him if I keep him on the fresh side,” Schweida said.
Mighty Like is the first horse Schweida has trained for owner Kris Thomas who sent the horse to him out of the blue.
“He is a nice bloke and he just rang and asked if I would take the horse,” Schweida said.
“I hope it is a good omen for Saturday with Shogun Sun who is ready to race very well in the Millions. A bit of rain would help but (favourite) Pierata looks a very good horse.”
Schweida gave McGillivray a broadside after the jockey was beaten on one of his horses, Double Superlative, at Doomben last Wednesday.
“That (the win on Mighty Like) was my redemption with Kelly. Let’s hope it carries over with Ef Troop,” McGillivray said.
