Michael Walker Confident Dubious Can Handle the Heat

January 10, 2019

Michael Walker Confident Dubious Can Handle the Heat

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.

Michael Walker has rode the lightly raced Dubious to both of wins in earlier in the Spring. 

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.

Racing fields and data are copyright 2011-2021 © Racing Australia Pty Ltd (RA) (and other parties working with it).
Racing materials, including fields, form and results, is subject to copyright which is owned by RA and other parties working with it. Full copyright notice.

Spring Racing

Military Mission Fires in 2023...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field �...

Zipping Classic 2023 Field & Odds Update: Vow And Declare Defends Title

Danny O’Brien’s 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare continues to show a...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbott...

Overpass Heads 2023 Winterbottom Stakes Field & Betting Markets

Bjron Baker’s The Everest performer Overpass is tipped to return to winning...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 R...

Osipenko Leads The Gong 2023 Race Field & Betting

The Chris Waller-trained Pierro four-year-old Osipenko is firm favourite in...

2023 Railway Stakes Field ...

2023 Railway Stakes Field & Betting Update: Tuvalu Narrow Favourite

The Lindsey Smith-trained top-weight Tuvalu is narrow favourite in the latest...

Horse Racing Today

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapat...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: L...

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse extended her record to eight victories in the 2024...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winne...

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Veight joined an elite list of three-year-olds to beat home the older horses...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results:...

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Chris Waller’s VRC Derby winner from the spring, Riff Rocket, now has the...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Vi...

2024 Ranvet Stakes Results: Via Sistina Too Good Debuting for Waller

Yu Long Investments lucrative European purchase, the now Chris Waller-trained...

Race Results

2024 The Galaxy Results: Zapateo Upsets Sunshine In Paris

Golden Slipper Results 2024: Lady Of Camelot Beats Coleman, Storm Boy Third

Imperatriz Defends Title in 2024 William Reid Stakes

2024 George Ryder Stakes Winner Veight Beats Older Rivals

Rosehill Guineas 2024 Results: Riff Rocket Flies Home Late Ahead of ATC Derby

Race Previews

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off

Fields & Form

UK Raider Post Impressionist Heads Tancred Stakes Field & Odds

2024 Australian Cup Field & Betting Update: Pride Of Jenni v Mr Brightside

Golden Slipper 2024 Tips & Betting Update

The Galaxy 2024 Race Field & Odds: Ozzmosis Leads Betting on Slipper Day Sprint

2024 Rosehill Guineas Field & Betting Update: Riff Rocket Set to Take Off