Munce team is zipped and set for 2026 Magic Millions Day
As some leading chances in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic paraded at the Gold Coast on Saturday, others opted for a quieter build-up, with Zip Lock ticking over earlier in the day.
The Hellbent colt surged into calculations for the $3 million Classic with his victory in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm on December 27 and is now joint second favourite at $7 alongside Shiki.
Co-trainer Corey Munce said the colt has continued to please since that win.
“We brought him to the Gold Coast for a gallop on Saturday morning,” Munce said.
“No land speed records were broken but the whole objective was for him to have a look at the track and imitate a race meeting so he passed with flying colours, pulled up very well and we’re very happy with him.
“He’s going to run a bold race.”
The decision to float Zip Lock from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and back again was deliberate and has helped the stable refocus after losing Cool Archie, who had loomed as a major Magic Millions 3yo Guineas chance.
“It is bittersweet but this horse, we feel, is doing a little bit more than what Cool Archie did at the same point in time and all I know that this horse will run a heck of a race next week.”
Warwoven remains the $2 favourite following his January 3 Eagle Farm victory.
Both Warwoven and Zip Lock recorded Racing and Sports ratings of 109 in their respective lead-up wins.
Team Munce will also have a strong hand in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares (1300m), with Lonhro’s Queen joined by Rising Stars winner Poster Girl.
Markets are active across major betting platforms as Magic Millions Day approaches.
At $11 in all-in betting, Chris Munce admitted Poster Girl is far better suited at sprint trips after previous attempts at longer distances.
“Lonhro’s Queen was originally heading out for a spell after her last run but being eligible for a wildcard entry into this race we’re heading there,” Corey said.
“She has been a revelation since coming here and has fitted into the Queensland lifestyle beautifully.
“There’s nothing wrong with her and she pulled up well.”
Rachel King remains aboard Lonhro’s Queen, who sits as a $6 equal favourite.
The post Munce team is zipped and set for Magic Millions Day first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup contender Kingswood to trial in Might And Power
Gavin Bedggood, the trainer of Kingswood, has the Caulfield Cup firmly in his sights, but a significant Group 1 race at Caulfield precedes that target.The upcoming Might And Power (2000m) will serve as Kingswood's final preparation outing before he contests the Caulfield Cup (2400m) the following Saturday.While Bedggood would welcome...
Brown's pair face barrier challenges at Caulfield
Cliff Brown and his training staff have invested significant effort in cultivating Von Hauke into a calm and manageable racehorse.During his formative racing years, Von Hauke tended to rush through his races, but with the passage of time and dedicated work, the gelding has become much more amenable.However, this progress...
Local horses ready to challenge Caulfield Guineas favourite
Fortunately for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker, his former Kiwi colleagues Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young share a passion for horses.The Victorian-based training duo of Busuttin and Young are currently housing the favourite for Saturday's Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, Warwoven, at their Cranbourne stable.However, the complication arises as Busuttin and Young...
Linebacker primed for Alan Brown Stakes challenge
Despite perhaps being best known for a surprise barrier trial victory over the formidable sprinter Ka Ying Rising, Linebacker appears well-positioned to return to the winner's circle at Rosehill.The gelding has experienced early market support, moving from $11 to $6 for Saturday's Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. This event...
Schiller poised to test a promising trio of stablemates
Chuchichaschtli, named after a piece of European furniture, is anything but plain according to jockey Tyler Schiller.The filly, pronounced 'Khoo-khee-khaesht-lee', takes her name from a Swiss German term for a small kitchen cupboard, yet this equine namesake is a talented young galloper on the rise.John, Wayne, and Michael Hawkes are...
General Salute poised for another home track triumph
Since his juvenile racing days, General Salute has almost exclusively competed in stakes races. Although it took him some time to achieve victory at this level, he has now found his stride.The gelding has been placed seven times in black-type events, breaking his maiden status in the 2025 Star Kingdom...
Snowden's Rosehill aspirations tempered by barrier draws
Peter Snowden is expressing frustration with the recent barrier draws and will be monitoring scratchings closely before finalising his runners for Rosehill.Three mares – Sunrays (gate 10), Tuileries (12), and Miss Freelove (17) – all drew double-digit barriers for Saturday's The Nivison (1200m). Additionally, his other stakes contender, the three-year-old...
Revengeance's campaign recalibrated after illness forces change
The Caulfield Guineas this weekend was the intended target for Revengeance, but an unexpected illness has forced a change of plans. The colt will now compete in a Listed race at Rosehill as the spring path is rerouted.Tulloch Lodge trainers had initially set their sights on the Golden Rose (1400m)...
Affaire Vue on a mission for a third straight victory
Trainer John Macmillan has always held a special place in his heart for Affaire Vue, ever since he purchased her as a yearling.The Dundeel filly cost Macmillan $100,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, with the trainer harbouring significant hopes for her future racing career.Those grand ambitions have yet...
Satono Glow on track for Roman Consul Stakes bid
Talented sprinter Satono Glow has already made a foray to Melbourne to commence her season, and if all proceeds as planned, she is set for another trip south later this month.A minor setback before her intended Sydney resumption led trainers John O'Shea and Tom Charlton to reroute her to Victoria....