Shiki in top order to kickstart 2026 Magic Millions Classic campaign
Adrian Bott believes Shiki is in far better order now than when she claimed the Gimcrack Stakes, with the filly set to ramp up her Magic Millions preparation in Saturday’s TAB Plate (1000m) at Randwick.
Shiki has freshened nicely since her debut win in October, returning from a brief paddock break looking stronger and more polished.
“Even though she was doing everything right and was precocious, she was never fully there in terms of her coat for the Gimcrack,” Bott said.
“She has come back in and actually looks like she is thriving.
“She seems a very natural two-year-old type, and she has come back in good shape.”
She is $1.55 in early markets and the only runner in the race with prior experience.
Bott stressed that Saturday is a stepping stone toward the Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast.
“She is forward enough for this first-up run with some good improvement to come. Obviously, the main aim is centred around the Magic Millions,” he said.
“She is qualified, so the pressure isn’t on in that regard, but this is a nice race to kick off in. She gets in well under the weight conditions.”
Tulloch Lodge will monitor her performance before deciding whether to give her an additional lead-up run.
Shiki is currently the $4.50 second favourite for the $3 million Classic, shading all but Paradoxium.
Lumbini is another potential qualifier for the stable, taking her place in Friday night’s Magic Millions The Debut 2YO Plate.
“She trialled up really well. She has had a bit of time in Queensland now and it’s a race that could qualify her,” Bott said.
“A horse like Knight’sbridge will try to head that way if he can qualify.”
Punters can find the latest Magic Millions Classic markets at leading Australian betting sites.
More Racing News
Accredited ready to go in Queensland debut in 2025 Lough Neagh Stakes
Accredited is set for his first Queensland appearance as trainer Joe Pride looks to convert strong Sydney form into interstate success in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm. His only previous venture away from NSW produced a disappointing run at Sandown, but Pride believes circumstances were to blame. “It...
Unit Five ready to go in the 2025 Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic
Unit Five will make his debut earlier than originally planned, with the Ciaron Maher stable electing to run the Supido colt in Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) at Caulfield Heath following an impressive Cranbourne jump-out on Monday. National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull said the youngster’s physical maturity allows the...
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...
Kosciuszko placegetter ready to Star at Randwick
Trainer Brett Robb will continue guiding the career of Gallant Star after the gelding’s ownership group firmly declared their intentions to keep him at Dubbo rather than move him to a city stable. Robb said his suggestion to shift the horse was purely practical due to the challenges of travelling to...
Stakes races kick-off for talented Samangu
Promising mare Samangu returns to racing on Saturday, and trainer Grahame Begg is already eyeing Stakes company later in the summer. Samangu resumes in the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield Heath, her first start since her March victory at the same track. The mare has won five of seven and...
Guest House to chase the money in Magic Millions Victorian 2YO Classic 2025
After a polished trial win at Caulfield’s Heath track, Guest House is set to debut in Saturday’s Magic Millions Victorian 2YO Classic, with co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr buoyed by the colt’s progress. The Home Affairs son, a $270,000 Magic Millions buy, outclassed his rivals by 1-1/2 lengths in last week’s 850m...
Savvy Hallie on a path to the 2026 Magic Millions Sunlight
Promising filly Savvy Hallie will launch her campaign in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight before being aimed toward Sydney’s autumn features. Trainer Brad Widdup confirmed she had secured a slot in the January 10 sprint, with her preparation already well-advanced following a soft trial at Warwick Farm. One more trial is...
Track experience vital for Oman in the 2025 Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic
Grahame Begg is banking on Oman’s repeated exposure to Caulfield’s Heath track to give her an advantage when she steps out in the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) this Saturday. The Capitalist filly has raced or trialled on the circuit three times: a debut fourth over 1000m, a third in...
Dream to start 2026 Magic Millions Guineas build up
Icarian Dream is on track to return to Queensland as the Ciaron Maher team maps out a path toward next month’s Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. The Blue Point filly, who contested the Magic Millions 2YO Classic earlier this year, is being considered for Saturday’s Listed Gold Edition Plate at Eagle Farm. Last...
Ingham triumph puts Yorkshire in 2026 Doncaster Mile mix
Tom Charlton may have been only five years old when John O’Shea secured the 2000 Villiers Stakes, but on Saturday the duo jointly celebrated Yorkshire’s commanding victory in the modern equivalent, The Ingham (1600m), at Randwick. The triumph delivered O’Shea a fourth win in the prestigious race and marked Charlton’s first...