Magic Millions Classic 2023

After a shambolic turn of events on the Gold Coast over the weekend, the 2yo’s will take centre stage for the rescheduled Magic Millions Classic on Thursday, with the hopes of seeing the next emerging talent in racing. There’s still a bit of rain around but nothing that should cause any further issues. Let’s try and find the winner.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes: Tips and Preview

Speed Map

Anything could happen here and a strong tactical ride will be needed to win the race. Expect most runners to have their chance to win this and not a rapid tempo. Based on previous starts, Skirt the Law and Royal Entrance are most likely to try and lead here. Infatuation, Firelane and Miss Coota can all be handy. Jamie Kah is in a tricky spot with Sovereign Fund, likely to be on speed but she won’t want to be caught wide. Empire of Japan and Empress of Wonder are likely to be worse than midfield.

Key Runners

2: jockey silksSovereign Fund

The current favourite. Barrier 17 is not ideal considering he likes to go straight to the front. You’d trust Kah to find a spot, but if she doesn’t? Looks a clear top chance and good risk v reward at the current price. Happy to risk however

3: jockey silks Sunsource

Would need a big jump in performance to win this but a race like this allows that. Zahra a big tick. One to watch in the betting late. 

4: jockey silks Empire of Japan

Brings the best career figure heading into this race, albeit a little while ago when a lot of these runners are now peaking at the right time. Sectionally, finished off very well last start which I like. Trusting McDonald finds a spot midfield and then unleashes late. Looks like the top pick.

5: jockey silksRoyal Entrance

Waterhouse, Bott and Clark is a fairly good indication they’ll lead here and try to break their hearts. Wasn’t the most convincing win last week and this looks a bit of a step up. Think the price is fair, but with any bias for the leaders, has to be considered.

6:jockey silks Godfather

Was behind a few of these in this race last start and has drawn the car park. Respect the trainers big time in a race like this but the price looks fair.

8: jockey silksInfatuation

Can begin awkwardly and has struck issues mid race just about every time, between being held up and being shifted on. Is a tough horse, and should be in the finish but not getting any value here against a few others. 

9: jockey silksFire Lane

Beat home both Empire of Japan and Platinum Jubilee last start and now we’re getting double the price for her to do it again? Can run far better than the price suggests here and looks a very good place hope.

10: jockey silksPlatinum Jubilee

Was a fair enough run last start, only going down late to Firelane. Likely to be ridden forward, but may not need to lead and get the perfect run in behind. Hard to knock and is a good winning chance. 

11: jockey silksCroatian Belle 

Hasn’t done a thing wrong in both wins. Both however at the Valley over 1000m, to now go to 1200m at a track like the Gold Coast? Could be negative. Good price to find out. Definitely a winning chance and good each way value.

12: jockey silks Summer Loving

One of the rare few that hasn’t won a race in this field. Can run home well if the tempo suits. Looks a bit off the mark from the top tier chances but can surprise.   

13: jockey silksSkirt the Law

Looks the leader. Has been an impressive winner in both outings, albeit against not much. Not expecting the track to be heavily favoured for the leaders but if it turns out that the rail is red hot, have to seriously consider her. Market watch and track watch. 

14: jockey silksMiss Coota 

Has had a fair bit of hype around her over three starts. Can begin awkwardly and has had mid race issues plus a very rough barrier which will make it difficult. Price looks fair. 

16: jockey silksEmpress of Wonder

Likely to be near last on the turn in this race. Will be rattling home very strongly though and could follow an Empire of Japan and come right over the top late. Getting a price to find out but happy to risk just based on the run style in a big field like this. 

Happy to ignore the rest, including any emergencies.

Queen Elizabeth Stakes: Tips and Preview

Betting Strategy

Tricky race here for obvious reasons, with so many of these horses still learning and trying to figure it all out. Expecting Empire of Japan won’t be far off them at the turn and to be the strongest late.

1 unit Empire of Japan at $4.80+