As part of the action of the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival, the race day due to run at Gold Coast Racecourse on Saturday January 15, the $400,000 Magic Millions Cup (1400m) will take place with the nominations for the handicap feature now released.

The 2011 Magic Millions Cup has drawn 41 entries at nomination stage including defending champion Walking Or Dancing.

The now six-year-old Walking Or Dancing went on to win the Group 3 Newmarket Handicap (1400m) following their win in the Magic Millions Cup at the start of the year but hasn’t run since finishing a disappointing second last in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill in April.

Runner-up to Walking Or Dancing in the 2010 Magic Millions Cup, Zero Rock for trainer Kelso Wood is also among the entries for next month’s showdown.

The classy Danzero mare has been in great form leading up the Magic Millions Carnival wining back-to-back races at Eagle Farm against her own company in November.

Another genuine chance among the Magic Millions Cup nominees is Gerald Ryan’s Sydney raider Top Drop, the young Snitzel colt coming off two gallant second place finishes in the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes in September and then in the Wyong Magic Millions 3YO Stakes earlier this month.

Tatersall’s Mile winner Fifteen Carat is another top local contender, as is the Norm Hilton-trained gelding Bold Glance yet to resume racing since their close second to Fifteen Carat in the Tatersall’s Mile, but having shown promise with two winning barrier trials over the past month.

Other notable horses nominated for the 2011 Magic Millions Cup include in-form local three-year-old Startsmeup, the Chris Waller-trained Snow Alert, 2009 Golden Slipper champion Phelan Ready and Epsom Handicap winner Captain Sonador.

The maximum 16-horse 2011 Magic Millions Cup final field of acceptances will be released on Tuesday January 11, along with the fields for the two marquee races at the meeting, the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) and the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).

Stay tuned to Races.com.au in the New Year to keep up to date with the latest Magic Millions race fields, form, betting tips and previews and in the meantime get ready for the ante-post markets by opening an account with leading online bookmaker Luxbet!

2011 Magic Millions Cup Nominations