Waterhouse confident of a 2YO Classic trifecta
GAI Waterhouse has boldly declared stablemates Platinum Jubilee, Summer Loving and Royal Entrance can trifecta the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
“They are quite capable or running 1,2,3 – they are all in top form and there is no reason why they can’t,’’ Waterhouse said.
“Platinum Jubilee is a top-class filly, the form around Summer Loving is very strong, and Royal Entrance has won both his races.
“All three have drawn the right barriers, they have good jockeys and everything about them is positive.’’
Waterhouse, who famously trained the Golden Slipper trifecta in 2001 with Ha Ha, Excellerator and Red Hannigan, can speak with authority on the Magic Millions, having preparing a record four winners in the glamour Gold Coast race with Driefontein (2012), Dance Hero (2004), Excellerator (2001) and Assertive Lad (2000).
But she hasn’t won a Magic Millions since forming a training partnership with Adrian Bott seven years ago, although they have an undeniable chance with Platinum Jubilee, Summer Loving and Royal Entrance.
TAB Fixed Odds price assessors rate Platinum Jubilee the pick of the stable trio and Waterhouse agrees.
“I feel Platinum Jubilee is the one,’’ Waterhouse said. “Her win in the Gimcrack Stakes came in the most amazing way. They don’t come from second last and win like that, especially in the spring.
“I know Belle Du Jour did it for Singo (John Singleton) in the (2000) Golden Slipper but spring fillies don’t do what Platinum Jubilee did that day.
“Platinum Jubilee has trained on superbly, she is all class – they have to beat her.’’
In overnight Magic Millions betting, Platinum Jubilee is the most favoured of the fillies at $7.50, behind the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained duo Empire Of Japan at $5 and Sovereign Fund at $6.
Waterhouse and Bott’s other
Magic Millions runners are at generous odds, with unbeaten Royal Entrance $16 and Summer Loving an $18 chance.
“Royal Entrance was a strong last-start winner and I like my horses going into these big races in top form,’’ Waterhouse said.
“We have worked with Summer Loving to help her jump away better at the start and she is in a good head space now.’’
Waterhouse and Bott also have strong chances at the Gold Coast meeting with Vangelic in the $1m Magic Millions Fillies and Mares (1300m), Too Much Caviar, Zoumon and Splendiferous in the $1m Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) and Marching in the $500,000 Magic Millions The Debut (900m).