While Adrian Bott knows what it’s like to have the raging favourite for the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m), this year’s ensemble will play the role of underdog.
The stable will be represented by colt Knightsbridge and fillies Shiki, Lumbini and By Choice in the $3 million feature.
Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, prepared boom two-year-old Storm Boy to win the Millions in 2024 and says while all four of the stable’s chances are double figures in betting, all have claims.
“You can make a good case for each of them going into the run,” Bott said.
“I won’t sort of put a top seed but we’ve probably taken confidence off the horses that have won their most recent runs.”
The market suggests last start Gold Pearl winner Shiki is the pick of the four, putting her on the fourth line of betting at $12 with Tim Clark to ride.
“Shiki, there’s good timing about her win, she looked to do it very well. She looked very sharp, so a lot to like about that,” Bott said.
“Knightsbridge is a horse I’ve always had an opinion of. Things didn’t work out for him in the spring.
“I thought he really came back and stamped his authority there at Randwick (first up). It’s 1000 to 1200 (metres), but I think that’ll suit him.
“Lumbini, I think, could be forgiven for her run there last time.
“She might have been a touch disappointing on face value, but she still ran very well behind the favourite (Warwoven), and her first up win was explosive.
“I thought she’s improved off that run.
“Similarly, By Choice was excellent first up.
“She had no luck behind Shiki there the other day, she was wide and covered ground and just sort of lost her balance around the turn, but she was good late so she can easily bounce back.”
Knightsbridge, Lumbini and By Choice are all rated between $21 and $26 with top jockeys James Mcdonald, Craig Williams and Jamie Melham respectively booked to ride.
Warwoven, who races in the same colours as Storm Boy, has settled as the $1.90 favourite with Zip Lock ($6) and Tornado Valley ($9.50) the only other horses in single figures.