While Gai Waterhouse’s chances of securing a fourth Magic Millions Classic victory seem to be on the improve, the top Sydney trainer is unlikely to be represented in Saturday week’s other major feature, the 2012 Magic Millions Guineas.
Niagara was considered Gai Waterhouse's best 2012 Magic Millions Guineas chance
Waterhouse unearthed the spruik filly of the summer when her daughter of Fastnet Rock Driefontein backed up from a slick three length win on debut at Randwick in November to defeat Sizzling in the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on New Year’s Eve.
Since then Driefontein has firmed into the clear favourite to win the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) paying $3.50 through Luxbet to make it three-from-three on January 14, Sizzling on the next line of betting at $3.80.
In markets for the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), Waterhouse was considered to have two genuine chances Sandown Guineas runner-up Niagara ($9) and Redoute’s Choice gelding Just The Tonic ($13).
She has since confirmed, however, that Magic Millions plans for both gallopers have been shelved.
Officially Waterhouse is still represented in the 2012 Magic Millions Guineas entries by nine other three-year-olds, but the stable is unlikely to accept for any when the final field is released on Monday.
Even if accepted for, none of the Waterhouse clan would be certain starters, all sitting well down the MM Guineas ballot 55th (Rocky Two – $51 Luxbet) or worse in the order of entry.
In other Magic Millions Guineas news the $4.80 Luxbet favourite Safusa is engaged to trial at Rosehill on Friday.
The David Pfieffer-trained Elusive Quality gelding hit the top of the Magic Millions Guineas odds following an impressive two length win (from barrier 12 of 12) in the Wyong Magic Millions 3YO Stakes on December 22.
Safusa has since been well-supported to complete the Wyong – Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO double, their price firming dramatically after the withdrawal of former favourite, last year’s MM Classic runner-up Combat Kitty.
Set to run in the ninth hit-out of the morning at Rosehill tomorrow, Safusa will trial over 900 metres with Pfieffer keen to see how they are travelling ahead of their major assignment.
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