Platinum Jubilee pulled off an incredible last-to-first run to win the Gimcrack Stakes, but trainer Adrian Bott is expecting her to stay on pace in a red-hot Magic Millions 2YO Classic field.
The two-start filly will go into the A$2 million feature over 1200m with a +500 winning chance with Bovada, a dollar behind favourite Empire Of Japan for Peter and Paul Snowden.
That is not surprising given the way she stormed home to take out the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes over 1000m at Randwick on October 1 last year.
But Bott – who co-trains the precocious two-year-old alongside Gai Waterhouse – expects Platinum Jubilee to be either on the pace or not far off it at the turn in race three on the rescheduled card on Thursday.
“There's a bit of speed there, so I don't expect her to be too far off them, certainly not as far back as she was in the Gimcrack,” Bott told HorseBetting.com.au.
Bott was happy when Platinum Jubilee drew barrier seven for the coveted sprint on the Gold Coast.
“It's an ideal draw, and she's well-placed to put herself right in the race,” he said.
The young conditioner was pleased with Platinum Jubilee's last start, edged out by Fire Lane for Brad Widdup in the $150,000 Drinkwise Plate over 1100m at Randwick on December 24 last year.
“She (Platinum Jubilee) was first-up, so she's got some improvement to come and she's trained on nicely,” Bott said.
He has also been thrilled with the condition of his two-year-old sprinter.
“Really happy with her and she's in good shape. She's in top order,” Bott said.
After recent rain and the postponement of Saturday's original Magic Millions schedule following the running of the first two races, Bott feels his filly will adopt to Heavy conditions.
The Gold Coast Turf Club track was rated a Heavy 9 on Wednesday, but a sunny day is forecast for Thursday.
“We'll wait and see what conditions pop up, but we're expecting her to be pretty versatile,” he said.
Royal Entrance and Summer Loving are also expected to be competitive for the Waterhouse-Bott stable in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
“Summer Loving gets the blinkers on to help her settle a bit closer,” he said.
“Royal Entrance was obviously pretty good in the form race in Wyong.
“He was on the back-up, so maybe the added time between races may help him.
“He's in good shape and he came out of that race well.
“He's a horse that keeps improving.”
And Zoumon is the second-favourite at +450 for Waterhouse and Bott in the Magic Millions Subzero over 2200m, finishing sixth last start in a $150,000 Benchmark 88 over 2000m on December 17.
The four-year-old gelding was 3 ¾ lengths behind Widdup's Global Ausbred.
“Zoumon's in good shape and been ticking over well. He had a nice trial to keep him up to the mark,” Bott said.
Stablemates Too Much Caviar and Splendiferous are also in the running.
“Too Much Caviar is in good recent form. He ran out a strong 2000m last start (winning at Benchmark 78 level at Randwick on December 31),” Bott said.
“He goes up there in good form. Bit more of a stretch for him and it's his first time over the trip, but he's taking winning form there.”
Five-year-old mare Splendiferous finished 12th last start in the $200,000 Chandon Summer Cup over 2000m at Randwick on December 26.
But Bott has seen good signs from her in the Sunshine State, highlighted by her fourth in the Queensland Oaks over the same 2200m distance on June 5, 2021.
“Splendiferous has shown some of her best in Queensland over staying trips,” Bott said.
“She has to improve on her most recent form, but she has done it before.”