Former favourite Echo Gal has firmed slightly for the Magic Millions Classic following confirmation of her place in the field for the $2 million race for two-year-olds.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained filly was found to have the thumps after she finished second last in the B J McLachlan at Doomben on December 28 but a pleasing track gallop on Saturday morning has resurrected her claims.
To be ridden by dual Magic Millions winning jockey Tommy Berry, Echo Gal is raced by Star Thoroughbreds which has announced the end of its 20-year exclusive partnership with the Waterhouse stable.
All yearlings bought by Star in 2014 will be trained by Chris Waller.
Unencumbered won the McLachlan and is in to $3.80 with the TAB ahead of Tuesday’s barrier draw for Saturday’s Gold Coast feature with Echo Gal in from $17 to $16.
The Bjorn Baker-trained Unencumbered was a $70,000 purchase at last year’s Magic Millions sale.
His main market rival at $4.50 is Invisible, who is trained by the Hawkes team and won his debut at Canterbury on the same day Unencumbered scored his fourth win from five starts.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said he was hoping for a barrier between six and eight for Invisible who will have his final lead-up gallop at Rosehill on Tuesday and travel north overnight on Thursday.
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“Barriers are always important and a good draw would help,” Hawkes said.
“He has earned his place in the field. Unencumbered has the runs on the board and Stroak, who was closing on Unencumbered at Doomben, must also be a chance.”
There were 21 final acceptors for both the Magic Millions Classic and the $1 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) which have capacity fields of 16.
Sagatona, who finished third in the McLachlan, is the first of five emergencies for the Classic while last-start Randwick winner Estonian Princess is the first reserve for the Guineas.
The Waterhouse-trained Sweet Idea is the $4.20 favourite for the Guineas ahead of Enquare at $5 and Charlie Boy at $7.