Gerald Ryan’s hopes of an elusive win in the summer’s richest race could be enhanced by a gear change for Perignon.
At least the trainer hopes that’s the case with the filly to wear winkers in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic on Saturday at the Gold Coast.
Perignon was an eye-catching fourth on debut at Wyong after coming from back in the field and made a sustained run down the straight to win at Canterbury.
“I don’t like changing gear on horses that have won their last starts,” Ryan said.
“But I thought winkers might help her muster some early speed and get into a position so I applied to the stewards last week to put them on and tried her in them in a gallop on Friday.
“She worked well and I’m hoping they will do the trick although Brenton Avdulla did say that he probably could have been closer at Canterbury but he kept her where she was comfortable in the run.”
Ryan has several runners in the Gold Coast showpiece with his best results second in 2003 with Danbird second and third two years later with Perignon’s sire Snitzel.
Perignon cost $350,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions sale and her connections are eligible for a share of the $500,000 bonus on offer for female-owned runners.
The filly is on the second line of TAB betting at $7 with Wicked Intent, Claudia Jean and Frequendly all sharing $6 favouritism.
The Ryan-trained Aerobar is the third elect for the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) behind Hijack Hussy at $3.60 and Testashadow at $7.
Aerobar won the three-year-old race at the Magic Millions-sponsored Wyong meeting in December.
“Aerobar has done really well and both she and Perignon will gallop at Rosehill on Tuesday morning then travel up to Queensland that night,” Ryan said.
Avdulla retains the ride on Perignon while James McDonald will be aboard Aerobar.
