After the elite racing action of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, the Gold Coast Magic Millions Race Day continues this afternoon with two more races still to run including Race 8 – the $82,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1400m).

The 2011 Marriott Magic Millions Country Cup final field features 16 gallopers that are yet to claim a metro win, the first three emergencies Dance At Midnight, Midnight At Ascot and Point Pain all gaining a start following the scratching of #2 Cannyclimb, #8 Thunder Lane and #13 Namsarai.

With the Magic Millions Country Cup due to jump at 5:20pm (AEDST), the current betting markets at Luxbet are lead by $4.40 favourite Strap Theory.

A nice barrier three draw, impressive last start win on a Heavy Gold Coast track on January 3 and light 53kg weight are all reasons why Strap Theory has shortened in the Magic Millions Country Cup odds.

However, another light-weight chance that we fancy to cause an upset in Race 8 this afternoon is #5 Retrospect paying a generous $8.50 through Luxbet to win.

Gold Coast Race 8 – Magic Millions Country Cup Betting Tips

• Races.com.au Favourite: #5 Retrospect – Rated Special to Win at $8.50 through Luxbet
• Best Place Bet: #18 Midnight At Ascot and #7 Strap Theory

The Rex Lipp-trained Lucky Owners four-year-old Retrospect has a good barrier five draw for today and will advantage from their drop back in weight to just 53kg with Glen Boss in the mount after carry 58kg to victory at Ipswich in December and then 58kg when running third at Toowoomba on New Year’s Day.

For the place bets Midnight At Ascot, one of our tips before they had even been guaranteed a start in the Country Cup today, is a great bet from barrier two.

The recent form of this Mossman gelding is very consistent including their last start victory over 1280m when carrying 58.5kg, so with 53kg and Magic Millions winning hoop Corey Brown in the mount they look strong.

Favourite Strap Theory to come a close third.

Now is the time to jump on the Magic Millions Country Cup odds at Luxbet before jump time draws closer and prices on our specially selected runners shorten!