Gerald Ryan has been buoyant about his prospects all week going into the Magic Millions Classic and he’ll have no less confidence following this morning’s barrier draw.

Amorino came up with gate eight in the $2 million contest, not bad given his dream outcome was something from four to seven.

Assuming the emergencies come out he’ll even slot into that position as well meaning things are continuing perfectly for one of the race favourites.

Along with Dreifontein and Sizzling, Amorino is considered to be one of the big three going into this Saturday.

His runs have been good down south and backers will be pleased with the news he’s now safely arrived on the Gold Coast.

“He arrived up here at about 3:30 this morning, he got his head into the feed and he’s coped it good,” Ryan said.

He wasn’t pushed too hard at his last track gallop before coming up but Ryan was content with a final 400m in less than 24 seconds.

He says his horse has improved since its last start but it will have to if it’s going to keep its advantage over the rest of the field.

“I think a few of these horses will (improve) because they haven’t had a lot of racing going into it,” he said.

“Two year olds can improve heaps from their first up run or they can go backwards.”

From gate eight Ryan will be able to keep his original pan of jagging a spot and working out off a hot pace.

“They do tend to run along here, if you get a good barrier it’ll be good to just sit in behind them,” he said.

Away from the on course action Ryan has also been running his eyes over the yearlings on offer in a bid to find next year’s contender.

So far he’s pleased with what he’s seen as well.

“As good as any other year if not better, there’s a lot of nice horses here,” he said.