Magic Millions Guineas: Monkey is off the back for Cifrado
Rex Lipp has won million-dollar races before but should Cifrado salute in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m) on Saturday, it will mean more to the veteran trainer than just the rich purse on offer.
Lipp’s relief over Cifrado returning to the winners’ circle a ten days ago when taking out the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) remains intact as the gelding looks forward to the main aim of his summer campaign.
Gelded after a disappointing run in the Listed Keith Noud Stakes (1200m) in early November, Cifrado is back to where Lipp thinks he should be.
“The monkey is off the back,” he said.
“I was a bit worried about how he’d come back after the operation but the run before the win was good and the one before that (gelding) was a shocker.
“I can’t fault him now and he is doing everything right it is all going forward.”
Cifrado, a son of Encryption who was purchased for $320,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, surpassed the $1 million in prizemoney with his Vo Rogue win.
His victory in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) when beating Snapback and fellow Guineas aspirant Chrysaor stamped his ability in mixing it at big money levels.
Chrysaor and the John O’Shea-trained Sydney Bowler share favouritism for the Guineas at $6 with Cifrado at $7.
With the barrier draw for the Magic Millions features occurring on Tuesday, Lipp will be satisfied with a gate to allow Cifrado to settle midfield comfortably.
“I think you may see a change in the pattern of the racing on Saturday,” he added with reference to this meeting being the third to be run on the new Gold Coast track surface.
“Yesterday was the first time horses were really being put up to the test but they have been getting home from back in the field so it shows that horses can finish off.
“It is a race that 1400-metres will suit Cifrado down to the ground.
“I’ve won a couple of million-dollar races but to win a $3 million race in the twilight of my career would be something.
“Here’s hoping.”
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...