Warwoven firms after 2026 Magic Millions Classic barrier draw

Warwoven has tightened his grip on Magic Millions favouritism after drawing barrier six for Saturday’s Magic Millions 2yo Classic. The unbeaten Sword Of State colt has been dominant in two starts, culminating in a commanding 3.3-length Eagle Farm win on January 3.

Bjorn Baker, who claimed the race last year with O’ Ole, says Warwoven has enjoyed a near-perfect lead-up.

“He had a nice gallop this morning,” Bjorn said post Tuesday’s draw.

“He had a good gallop towards the end of last week, and this morning it wasn’t so much about running time.

“It was just about finishing off nicely, following a horse, and he looked really good that last bit.

“He looked to recover well, I think he’s fit and ready to go.”

If the emergency comes out, the colt starts from barrier five — a draw Baker is delighted with.

“Very happy, I think it’s ideal,” Baker said.

“I didn’t want to be too close to the inside, and you don’t want to be covering ground out deep.

“I think he’s got good tactical speed and he’s very laid back. He should be able to jump, hopefully put himself in the first six or seven comfortably enough.

“Sometimes you can overanalyse, you don’t know how the track’s going to play, but at this stage, very happy with the gate.”

Warwoven has firmed into $2.10 with online betting sites, Rachel King sticking with him. Baker also saddles Masvingo (barrier 12) in the 2yo Classic and O’ Ole, who resumes in the 3yo Guineas.

O’ Ole will need to lift after drawing barrier 10, but Baker remains optimistic.

“She’s going to have to improve and get back to her best to be competitive, but she’s not out of it,” Baker said.

“Of course, she won the two-year-old race last year, so we know she goes well at the Gold Coast.”

Meanwhile, Vo Rogue Plate star Ninja wasn’t as lucky, coming up with the outside stall (17 of 17) and drifting slightly to $1.85 despite his explosive last-start victory in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m).