One time Magic Millions 2yo Classic favourite, Icarian Dream has drawn the outside barrier in Saturday’s feature.
Ciaron Maher’s quest for a third Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) in five years has just gotten a bit harder after his sole runner Icarian Dream drew barrier 21 of 21 for the $3 million Magic Millions Classic.
Maher’s mother Eileen drew the barrier at the famous Surfer’s Paradise beach barrier draw but Maher is happy with the filly, who was last seen winning the Group 3 B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m).
“The job will be a little bit more difficult from out there in 21, but as my mother would say, ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’, Maher said.
“She was very dominant on the weekend, and I’m sure she’ll run a pretty forward race.”
Icarian Dream has drifted from $4.50 favourite to $7.00 following the barrier draw and now sits on the third line of betting, replaced by the Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans trained Invincible Woman at $5.00 with that filly drawing barrier 9.
Gallo Nero has remained firm at $6.00 after drawing well in barrier five while first emergency Space Rider (barrier 4) and Peter Snowden’s Memo (barrier 1) are the only others in single figures.
Where Saturday’s meeting will be run it yet to be confirmed with the Gold Coast track still in some doubt but just like barriers, Maher says that’s out of his control.
“The preparation’s all done in terms of the horse. They’re just going to tick over now and freshen up into the race. Given where the barrier I’ve just received, it would be better if it was at Eagle Farm for me, because it’s a much bigger track.”
“They’ve put so much work and time and effort into the Gold Coast track. It’d be a shame if it wasn’t there, but that’s something that’s out of my control anyway.”
Maher has won both of his 2yo Classic’s with fillies; Away Game providing his first victory in 2020, followed by Coolangatta in 2022 and Maher says there are similarities between Icarian Dream and Away Game.
Similar to Away Game, sort of [like] Dubious. A real two-year-old type, very strong. Very robust and she’s fairly experienced for a young horse… a seasoned two-year-old, she’ll need to be, she’s going to have to work at some point in the race, whether it’s early or late, or whether it’s post, but it’ll definitely help her.”
Maher will also attempt to win his first Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m) with a dual pronged attack. Snitzanova is the race favourite after drawing barrier nine while Yes Lulu is a $15 chance and has drawn barrier 17, and Maher suggests the latter can measure up strongly.
“Snitzanova’s been fairly busy, tough horse, I think the other one (Yes Lulu) is probably the one on the way up,” Maher said.
Snitzanova is a $5.50 betting sites favourite ahead of the Peter Snowden trained Tulleries who drew barrier 23 while the only other two horses at single figures, Bauhinia and Give Me Space, have also drawn wide in 20 and 21 respectively.
