Freedman tests Magic Millions waters at Wyong

Michael Freedman will test out a couple of Magic Millions Raceday prospects when Wyong hosts its big preview meeting this Wednesday.

The Randwick horseman will have Offenbach in the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic and Queen Of The Mile in the $150,000 Magic Millions Wyong 3&4YO Stakes.

Offenbach, a $650,000 Gold Coast purchase for Freedman and Gandharvi Racing, will be lining up for his second start, following a debut second placing over 900 metres at Newcastle on November 27.

Freedman is acutely aware that Wednesday’s 1100m race is a rise in grade for the son of Snitzel and he is keen to see how he goes before contemplating a trip north for the $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast on January 11.

“Offenbach had his first start last week and ran second at Newcastle. I just want to see how he goes on Wednesday,” Freedman said.

Among his rivals are his Newcastle conqueror Blitzburg, Gimcrack Stakes minor placegetters O’ Ole and Memo and Breeders’ Plate runner-up Tempestuous.

Group 2 placegetter Ballroom Bella, last-start winners The Novelist and Zealously, plus classy Hellbent filly Bauhinia are among the other acceptors in the 1200m Wyong Magic Millions 3&4YO Stakes, which will be the second start of the campaign for Queen Of The Mile.

The Written Tycoon four-year-old took her record to four wins from 12 starts with a first-up win at Canterbury on November 29 and Freedman is keen to see how she measures up in a race for good prizemoney.

“She is very genuine, she won well last Friday and she is a Magic Millions graduate so I thought it was worth at least entering for that race and seeing how strong it looks,” Freedman said.

Queen Of The Mile drew barrier six of 10 at Wyong, where Zac Lloyd will be her partner, while Tommy Berry rides Offenbach, who has the inside alley in the field of 11.