At this time last year, Adrian Bott was preparing for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a standout favourite.

As co-trainer of Storm Boy, Bott saw the talented juvenile deliver a commanding victory in the $3 million feature race at the Gold Coast.

While Bott and his training partner Gai Waterhouse don’t have a comparable star like Storm Boy in their stable this year, they will still be represented in the 2YO Magic Millions Classic by The Playwright.

The daughter of Written By is rated a $16 chance with betting sites, but this year’s field lacks a clear standout like Storm Boy, giving Bott a sense of optimism.

“I think it’s very fair that the race is open and I think she’s got some good form around those right horses as well, ones that are well fancied in the market,” he said.

“She may be a little bit under the radar in that regard, but she’s ticked the right boxes.

“She’s been through the right races, which looks to be a nice formula and proven strategy to get her here, so I expect her to run well.”

Purchased for $60,000 at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale, The Playwright made an impressive debut by defeating Icarian Dream at Rosehill on November 30. She then finished third behind the same filly in the Group 3 B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) on December 21, just over 1-1/2 lengths off the winner.

Icarian Dream became the Magic Millions Classic favourite after that performance but lost her top billing after drawing the outside barrier earlier this week.

In contrast, The Playwright secured barrier eight, further boosting Bott’s confidence.

“She’s drawn very well, I think barrier eight is a great spot for her, she’s had the run up here, she’s had the time to settle in and acclimatise, and she looks to be doing very well,” Bott said.

“She just puts herself in the race, we’ll probably look to utilise the speed she’s got, and I think the track will suit her here.”

While Regan Bayliss piloted The Playwright in her first two starts, Blake Shinn—who won the 2016 Magic Millions aboard Capitalist—will take the reins, donning the Tricolours Racing silks on Saturday.