Trainer Calvin McEvoy expressed optimism about Arabian Summer's chances in Saturday's Magic Millions 2YO Classic, emphasising the perceived advantages of the middle draw in barrier nine.
McEvoy, who trains in partnership with his father Tony, acknowledged the initial preference for a draw between one to five but found contentment in the outcome.
“I'm happy with it, we wanted to draw probably one to five I think as it played out, the favourite's drawn one outside us in ten.
“She's very versatile, she'll be positive and she'll hopefully be in the first four or five with some cover, and I think it's a really good barrier,” McEvoy remarked.
Arabian Summer, known for her speed, triumphed in the Ballarat Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1000m) in December and demonstrated adaptability by handling the rise in distance during her Gold Pearl victory last week.
McEvoy and connections remain confident that the daughter of Too Darn Hot can tackle the additional 100 metres on Saturday.
“Early on in her career we probably had her pegged as just a speed, 1000-metre filly but her last two starts she's shown that she's versatile, she'll run out a strong, definitely 1100 and I think with a nice run she'll certainly run the 12 out so I'm very happy with her,” McEvoy affirmed.
Arabian Summer will be partnered by Harry Coffey in the feature event on the 11-race card at the Gold Coast and is currently rated a +600 with top horse racing betting sites.