Trainer not happy with Magic Millions programming in QLD

While most trainers are heading north toward the Gold Coast, Liam Birchley is travelling in the opposite direction as he attempts to get Gold Czech into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

The Sunshine Coast horseman will saddle the debutant in Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic at Caulfield Heath, believing it offers the best chance to secure a qualifying cheque.

“If the programming had been a little bit better, I wouldn’t need to travel,” Birchley said.

“We don’t have a Magic Millions standalone race in Queensland … we’re forced to earn double the amount of prize money as the southern state horse because of the disparity, and I think it’s a joke.”

He said the lack of Queensland opportunities leaves trainers scrambling for alternatives.

“There’s no two-year-old race on Saturday and then the B J McLachlan next weekend will be a big field with nominations from New South Wales and Victoria.”

Birchley believes a top-two finish at Caulfield Heath would likely lock in a Magic Millions berth.

However, he admits the long road trip, plus the unknowns of racing at the Heath track, pose challenges.

“He’s shown something,” Birchley said.

“He won his last trial … but it’s hard to gauge the form out of it.

“He did get back and ran on, and whether that will be conducive to the Caulfield Heath track, that will be another thing as well.”

Despite the uncertainties, he believes Gold Czech deserves his chance. Luke Nolen rides.

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