Chris Waller has not ruled out making a belated Magic Millions bid with Ranch Hand after the youngster’s impressive debut win at Warwick Farm.
The premier trainer is already in a strong position for next month’s $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast with pre-post favourite Shaquero and second pick She’s All Class.
Ranch Hand has emerged as another potential contender with his victory at Warwick Farm on Wednesday when he peeled off the back of favourite Mura Mura to score running away.
While the midweek prize money alone is unlikely to be enough to secure him a Magic Millions Classic start on January 16, Waller will weigh up whether to run the colt again a week before the race.
“The horses that have raced seven days prior to the Magic Millions look to have a pretty good record so we won’t say no, but at the same time we won’t ruin his career just to get there,” Waller said.
“I will have a talk to the owners, see how the horse pulls up and make a decision next week.”
A $260,000 Magic Millions buy, Ranch Hand ($5) scored by 3-1/4 lengths over Mura Mura ($2.80 fav) with Honerycreeper ($7.50) making ground for third another half-length away.
He is a $15 chance in TAB fixed odds markets for the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Waller and jockey James McDonald made it a running double when they claimed the second race with another Fastnet Rock debutante in Fifteen Aria.
The three-year-old has needed time to develop but Waller has a healthy opinion of her and will aim the filly towards the Sydney autumn carnival.
