Shiki in top order to kickstart Magic Millions campaign

Adrian Bott is much happier with Shiki than he was when she won the Gimcrack Stakes as he prepares to launch the filly’s Magic Millions campaign at Randwick.

Shiki will resume in the TAB Plate (1000m) on Saturday having enjoyed a couple of weeks in the paddock following her debut in October when she raced on speed and clung to a narrow victory.

While she started favourite in the race off the back of an impressive barrier trial win, Bott said it had been clear there was physical improvement to come.

“Even though she was doing everything right and was precocious, she was never fully there in terms of her coat for the Gimcrack,” Bott said.

“She has come back in and actually looks like she is thriving.

“She seems a very natural two-year-old type, and she has come back in good shape.”

Shiki is the only one of the seven runners with race experience and is a $1.55 favourite.

However, Bott cautioned her grand final was the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast next month and whatever she did on Saturday she would improve on.

“She is forward enough for this first-up run with some good improvement to come. Obviously, the main aim is centred around the Magic Millions,” he said.

“She is qualified, so the pressure isn’t on in that regard, but this is a nice race to kick off in. She gets in well under the weight conditions.”

Connections have deliberately left time to give Shiki another lead-up run into the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) on January 17 if needed but are equally happy to go into the feature fresh.

Bott says he will be guided by the filly’s performance at Randwick before making a concrete plan.

The youngster is regarded as Tulloch Lodge’s top seed for the Magic Millions Classic and is a $4.50 second favourite in early markets, behind impressive last start winner Paradoxium from the Bjorn Baker stable.

Bott is hoping a couple of Shiki’s stablemates can join her in the showpiece, including Lumbini who is stepping out in the Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday night.

“She trialled up really well. She has had a bit of time in Queensland now and it’s a race that could qualify her,” Bott said.

“A horse like Knight’sbridge will try to head that way if he can qualify. They’re our main seeds.”