Button seeks Magic Millions redemption in Townsville

By Glenn Davis

The Magic Millions Country Cup proved a bridge too far for Jemeldi and stablemate Under The Limit but consolations await both gallopers at Townsville on Friday.

Trainer Tom Button was hoping to send Jemeldi to the Gold Coast for Saturday’s Magic Millions Country Cup while stablemate Under the Limit needed to win the qualifier in Cairns last month to make the trip for a second time.

However, five-year-old Jemeldi could only manage fifth to the Stephen Massingham-trained Fodor while Under The Limit finished sixth in the same qualifier.

After missing qualification, Button is now hoping both can redeem themselves when he floats the pair to Cluden Park from their Bowen base for their Townsville assignments.

Jemeldi - a Justin Stanley mount - will line up in the Open Handicap over 1000 metres while Ashley Butler will partner Under The Limit in the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1400 metres.

Button also will start Finsceal in the Benchmark 70 Handicap.

Under The Limit qualified for last year’s Magic Millions Country Cup but finished a well beaten eighth behind the Stuart Kendrick-trained Zoumeteor.

Button had hoped to head south for the Magic Millions Country Cup but plans were thrown into disarray when the qualifier at Townsville was washed out and rescheduled to Cairns.

“It’s a six-and-a-half-hour tip to Cairns from home and once you go, there’s no chance you can go to the Gold Coast two weeks later,” Button said.

“Under the Limit had to win the qualifier to get in but Jemeldi had qualified for the Gold Coast race.”

Button is hopeful both sprinters can make amends in Townsville following their recent runs in Cairns.

“It was a hot day in Cairns plus the travel but they did race below expectations,” Button said.

“I’m hopeful both will race a lot better in Townsville.

“Jemeldi is coming back in distance to 1000 metres which will suit but the horse has been up a long time.

“Justin Stanley is riding which is a big plus.”

Button is also looking for a sharp improvement from Under the Limit.

“He was stuck out on a limb in Cairns but he should run a lot better in Townsville and he’s won on the track,” Button said.

“He’s back in grade which will suit him more and he’s stepping out in distance which he’s looking for.”