Chrysaor and Cifrado drawn to duel in Magic Millions Guineas

Connections of the two narrow favourites for Saturday’s Magic Millions 3yo Guineas would’ve been pleased but the market has remained largely unaffected, Chrysaor just holding the call at $5 from Cifrado at $5.50 with online bookmakers.

Toowoomba based trainer Rex Lipp’s Cifrado beat Chris Waller’s Chrysaor last start in the Group 3 Magic Millions Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) having lined up on opposite sides of the draw but will jump next to each other, Cifrado in barrier seven and Chrysaor in eight.

A full field of 18 with five emergencies has been assembled for the $3 million race, run under set weights and penalties conditions, meaning the two favourites, both as Group 2 winners, will carry equal top weight of 58kg.

With three of the five emergencies drawn barriers five or lower, the pair would jump from barriers four and five provided there are no scratchings.

The horse with the least experience in the race is Sydney Bowler who is undefeated from three starts and also sits at $5.50 despite drawing barrier 17, which will come into 14 if the emergencies fail to get a run.

The John O’Shea trained son of Deep Field was a smart winner of a benchmark 72 at Randwick last start with Jason Collett retaining the ride.

The only other horse in single figures is Abounding, a filly by Rich Enuff trained by Robert Heathcote who has remained firm at $7.50 after drawing well in barrier nine, which is likely to come into six.

Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have the warm favourite for the Magic Millions 2yo Classic with Storm Boy and will be represented by at least three runners in the Guineas- the most of any stable. Royal Tribute ($10) drew 11, last week’s Magic Millions Maiden Plate winner Vanquished ($23) drew wide in 22 and Zouphoria ($23) drew barrier six.