A daunting “carpark” barrier for Michael Freedman’s highly touted three-year-old Ninja hasn’t deterred supporters, with money pouring in for the son of Farnan to secure victory in this Saturday’s 2026 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas on the Gold Coast.

Ninja is drawn wide but remains the dominant favourite in 2026 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas betting at the Gold Coast. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The Magic Millions card, the jewel of Queensland’s summer racing, takes centre stage this weekend.

All eyes will be on Race 8 as a high-quality field of sophomores competes for a share of the massive $3 million prize pool in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).

Currently heading the market at $1.85 through Ladbrokes, Ninja faces a tactical challenge from gate 17.

Champion hoop Tommy Berry retains the ride following the colt’s clinical victory in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate.

The Vo Rogue Plate – Magic Millions 3YO Guineas double has proven to be a reliable path for elite three-year-olds, with Pierata (2017-18), Boomsara (2018-19), and Fashion Legend (2022-23) the most recent to achieve the feat.

The sequence nearly included Alligator Blood in 2020, who initially became the third consecutive horse to land the double; however, he was later stripped of the Guineas title following a positive swab for a prohibited substance.

Ninja was spectacular in his final lead-up, cruising to a 4.8-length win over his nearest competitor, Smexy, in the 1300m Eagle Farm feature on January 3.

Having never finished outside the top three in his five career outings, the rising star also possesses a superb record on damp ground.

With conditions likely to suit, only the wide alley appears to stand between him and the $1.7 million first-prize cheque.

Despite the capacity field of 17, only one other runner is currently priced in single digits: the Ciaron Maher-trained filly Icarian Dream at $8.50.

Drawing significantly better than the favourite in gate four, the consistent daughter of Blue Point is hunting her first win since taking out the 2024 Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes as a juvenile.

Jamie Melham takes the mount.

Icarian Dream is out to be the first filly to claim the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas since Abounding in 2024!

Although colts have historically claimed the lion’s share of Magic Millions Guineas titles, fillies have frequently upstaged the boys in the $3 million feature.

Notable recent female victors include Sweet Idea (2014) and Flying Jess (2017), with the Robert Heathcote-trained Abounding (2024) standing as the most recent filly to secure a win in the race.

Icarian Dream brings strong Victorian form into the race, including a third-place effort behind Sheza Alibi in the Group 3 The Vanity at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

She was last seen finishing two lengths off Grafterburners when third in the Listed Gold Edition Plate on December 20.

Maher’s stable will also saddle up the big-priced Bivouac gelding Benevac ($31), who starts from barrier three following a fourth in the Gosford Guineas.

Meanwhile, premier Brisbane trainer Tony Gollan has the early market mover in Spanish Treasure ($19 into $15), who steps up in class while chasing a hat-trick of wins.

Memo ($14) remains the best-backed of the remaining double-figure chances for Peter Snowden.

Snowden previously enjoyed consecutive wins in this race alongside his son Paul with Aim (2021) and King Of Sparta (2022).

Leading jockey James McDonald will pilot the Capitalist filly, who is second-up after a third in the Gosford Guineas.

The 2026 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas is set to jump as Race 8 at 4:45pm (AEST) on Saturday’s prestigious 10-race program.

2026 Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Field & Barriers 

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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