Jockey Pat Carbery hopes Champagne Street can show enough improvement to give him a record-equalling Magic Millions victory at Pinjarra on Saturday.
A three-time winner of the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic, Pat Carbery is one win away from joining Shaun McGruddy at the top of the leader board.
Carbery won his first Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic aboard Ravinia (2006) and followed up with Time To Climb (2010) and Darlington Abbey (2012).
Champagne Street ran an encouraging second on debut at Ascot two weeks ago and Carbery was pleased how the Street Boss filly handled her first official going.
She settled third behind the leader Guarding Heaven and fought on strongly in the straight, splitting A Lot Of Good Men and Super Smink who were strong finishers.
Carbery says Champagne Street will benefit from her race day experience and although drawn wide (12) he expects her to go well in the Magic Millions feature.
“She’s certainly improved a good deal since first up,” Carbery told Tabradio.
“The winner (A Lot Of Good Men) had a lot of race fitness on his side and experience.
“She’s (Champagne Street) always shown us a lot of ability, but I was especially surprised how well she handled herself pre-race and in the run.
“She jumped well and settled well and really levelled out, she gave me plenty.
“Even when the winner got to her she gave a dip and extended more.
“She had a good experience and tries really hard.
“She definitely has a good turn of foot and if she can get a reasonable enough run she can utilise it.”
Champagne Street has firmed from $18 to $13 since Tabtouch markets opened earlier this week.
A Lot Of Good Men and Super Smink are well fancied by punters at $2.35 and $3.60 respectively.
Meanwhile in the Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m), Carbery and Miller combine with Nyet.
The Russian Revolution gelding was spelled after a disappointing seventh on debut at Northam last October when favourite.
But following a strong trial hit out in readiness for his return, Carbery says Nyet has taken strides since winning his heat.
“His work since the trial has been very good and he’s come on since then,” Carbery said.
“Simon (Miller) wanted him to have a good hit out in preparation for Saturday’s race.
“He’s certainly improved since the trial and has drawn a good lid.
“Hopefully he is thereabouts in the finish.”
Nyet has drawn barrier two. He’s a $20 chance with Tabtouch.
Carbery is aiming for his third Magic Millions 3YO Trophy and second in succession.
Last year he piloted home Pixie Chix, a decade after combining with Miller and Night War.
