Trainer Ciaron Maher Dreaming of Magic Millions redemption

Icarian Dream did not have the run of the race in last year’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic, but Ciaron Maher is ready to give her another opportunity on the Gold Coast stage.

The filly by Blue Point will line up in Saturday’s $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, chasing a turnaround in fortunes.

The 1400-metre contest is staged 12 months after she finished well back as a $9 chance in the 2YO Classic from a horror draw, and while the opposition is again strong, Maher feels her recent form justifies the return.

“We were coming to the Gold Coast 2YO (Classic) full of confidence until the barrier draw (when) I think we got 20-something,” Maher said.

“She’s always been a horse with a lot of ability.

“Two starts ago she ran well and it was then we thought, ‘right, we’ll aim up here at this this race’.”

Icarian Dream heads into the Guineas after finishing third, beaten two lengths by Grafterburners, who went on to win The Sunlight, in the Listed Gold Edition Plate (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

That followed another third placing, after unplaced efforts earlier in her three-year-old season, including a defeat by Sheza Alibi in the Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) at Flemington.

“She went off and she had a few little growing issues, or soreness issues, and I just feel like her last run and her run prior to that were both full of merit and back to what we originally thought of her,” Maher said.

“I think she’s going very well. She’ll do a piece of work during the week and be right to go.”

Leading betting platforms have markets open for the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, giving punters plenty to consider ahead of the marquee race.

Icarian Dream sits second in the Guineas market behind Ninja, who has tightened into odds-on favouritism after his dominant display in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate.

Maher will also be well represented in the $3 million 2YO Classic, a race he has previously won with Away Game and Coolangatta, with Tornado Valley and Unit Five among his chances.

The post Maher Dreaming of Magic Millions redemption first appeared on Just Horse Racing.