The 2016 Magic Millions Classic barrier draw has been conducted and dominant favourite Capitalist is set to jump from barrier two in the $2 million race at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Capitalist will jump from barrier two in the 2016 Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart
Capitalist has been a clear favourite in Magic Millions Classic betting markets since he made his racing debut with a comfortable victory in the Listed Breeders Plate (1000m) at Royal Randwick on October 3 and his price is set to shorten again following the positive barrier draw.
While Capitalist was the big winner of the 2016 Magic Millions Classic barrier draw, a number of the other leading chances have drawn towards the outside of the field and seen their prices drift significantly.
Zelady’s Night Out started her racing career with a win at Doomben on November 14 and she went on to stamp herself as leading Magic Millions Classic contender with impressive victories in the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1050m) at Doomben on December 12 and the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Boxing Day, but her chances in the feature race took a hit when she was allocated barrier 19 at the barrier draw this morning.
Another talented filly that will need plenty of luck in running is Gai Waterhouse-trained Slumber Party, who is set to jump from barrier 20 with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle.
Slumber Party made her racing debut with a solid third behind Calliope and Jeanneau in the Listed Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick on October 3 and she was far from disgraced when second behind Zelady’s Night Out in the BJ McLachlan Stakes.
Other horses that are set to jump from the second half of the Magic Millions Classic field include Magic Millions Clockwise Classic winner Claro El Banco (barrier 17), Jason McLachlan-trained Dieters (barrier 14) and the promising Mooshakissa (barrier 18).
Outside of Capitalist the big winner of the Magic Millions Classic barrier draw was Kelso Wood-trained Nikitas and he has now moved into the second line of betting after being allocated barrier three.
Nikitas made his racing debut with a dominant five lengths victory in the Canadian Club Handicap (1200m) at Doomben on December 5 and he was not far away from Zelady’s Night Out and Slumber Party in the BJ McLachlan Stakes.
Other key 2016 Magic Millions Classic barrier draws include Sundance (barrier 11), Niccolance (barrier nine), Just Orm (barrier eight), Highland Beat (barrier 12), Conchita (barrier five) and Rare Occurrence (barrier 13).
