Magnufighter launches Magic Millions bid

By Glenn Davis

A wet track has boosted trainer Jack Duncan’s hopes of a strong first-up performance from Magic Millions-bound Magnufighter at Doomben on Saturday.

Duncan is aiming Magnufighter for the $250,000 Magic Millions Open over 1800 metres at the Gold Coast in January.

The six-year-old will launch his Magic Millions campaign in the Open Handicap over 1350 metres – a distance he has been successful only once in 12 attempts.

Magnufighter hasn’t raced since finishing 10th to the Chris Waller-trained Le Juge in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben in late May.

The son of Magnus was ever-consistent when last in training, winning twice and being placed on another five occasions during a nine-start campaign.

“He’s come back from his spell in good shape and he’s being aimed at the Magic Millions,” Duncan said.

“He’s had a barrier trial and he’ll be very competitive.

“He usually needs a run to hit his best, but the way he’s going I won’t be surprised if he wins.

“It’s a winnable race and about his standard to start off with.”

Duncan is yet to decide Magnufighter’s lead up races to the Magic Millions Open.

The trainer has long believed Magnufighter is capable of winning a big race and has patiently handled the gelding’s career.

He showed he was up to winter carnival standard as a three-year-old when finishing third on a heavy track in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas in 2018.

“I’ll see how he goes tomorrow first but there’s plenty of races coming up for him over the summer carnival,” he said.

“He likes wet tracks so tomorrow’s track should suit him."

Duncan has never won a Group race but believes Magnufighter is improving with age.

In latest markets, Magnufighter - a Justin Huxtable mount - is a $6.50 chance behind $3.30 favourite Emerald Kingdom.

Emerald Kingdom showed a glimpse of his best form when resuming with a strong third to the Kelly-Schweida-trained Spurcraft over 1000 metres at Eagle Farm on October 3.

It was his first run since failing in the Listed Ascot Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.

The six-year-old has won seven of his 16 starts but was disappointing during the Brisbane winter campaign.