Ninja out to cement Magic Millions Guineas 2026 claims

Ninja will be given a valuable stakes-level examination this Saturday as his Magic Millions Guineas build-up reaches its final stages.

The MyRacehorse-owned gelding steps into Group company for the first time when he contests the $300,000 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm.

With only four runs under his belt, Ninja nevertheless holds favouritism for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, and trainer Michael Freedman says everything has gone to plan so far.

“He’s great, he had a jumpout midweek last week at the Gold Coast just to keep his fitness up,” Freedman said.

“I’d always planned for him to go into Magic Millions Guineas third-up.

“Knowing that he was going to be four weeks between, that’s why he had the 1000-metre jumpout last week, just to keep him up to the mark.”

Ninja returned this preparation with a narrow third in the Pierata Plate at Doomben on December 6, beaten just half-a-length after settling well back in the run.

Tommy Berry replaces Andrew Adkins in the saddle this weekend, with Freedman mindful of the tricky draw in gate 12.

“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly out in gate 12, that’s a little bit of a concern and something he’s going to have to try and overcome, but the horse himself is in great form,” Freedman said.

Currently trading near the top of Vo Rogue Plate betting, Ninja’s performance will influence Guineas prices, which punters can monitor through established betting platforms in Australia.