A successful day at Tuesday’s barrier draw saw the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace trained Dubious emerge as the favourite ahead of Saturday’s $2 mil Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast.

The two-year-old by Not a Single Doubt is unbeaten in two career starts at Randwick and Eagle Farm, and will have the cool, calm, and most importantly, winning jockey Michael Walker on board.

Walker has already ridden four winners to start the year, and has plenty of experience racing up in Queensland. In 207 career rides, the 34-year-old has placed in 17% of his starts, leaving punters feeling optimistic in Dubious’ chances at $4.80.

“I believe I’m on the classiest colt, if not two-year-old in the field, and I think on Saturday he can really establish himself as the best, or one of the best two-year-old’s going around” Walker told Racing.com. 

Dubious, who is known for his relaxed nature, also has plenty of experience around Australia – the Gold Coast will mark the 10th track he’s galloped on over the last two years.

“He’s just a push button horse, he does everything right” Walker went on to say.

“You need a horse that can rise to the occasion and take it all in, he’s a horse that can – a lot of two-year-old’s that go on that day just melt, they sweat, and because of the crowd they get above themselves.”

A max temperature of 30-degrees is forecast for the Gold Coast on Saturday with the slight chance of a shower or two in the days leading up. Given the short distance of the race as well as the humidity, less experienced runners have a tendency to over-race, something Walker is cautious of this weekend.

“I’ve ridden that race a number of times and they tend to jump and go helter skelter early, and I don’t want to be doing that.

“I want to use my character both ends of the race, and not burn the candle at both ends. If I’m third or fourth, I’m comfortable, I’ll stay there” Walker said.