DAVID FOWLER'S MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC PREVIEW

By David Fowler | Tuesday, January 9, 2018

The barrier draw is horrible for key market players Ef Troop and Sunlight in Saturdays $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.

You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise.

They can still win and/or run well. But if they do, they will stamp themselves as "silk shirt department" juveniles.

Sometimes the barrier draw figure can be misleading. Sunlight will start from 12 and Ef Troop will start alongside her at 13 in the 16 horse field.

You will recall last year we selected race winner Houtzen who started from 16 but the map showed a lack of speed on her inside and she duly scooted across and set up shop in front.

This isn't the case this year.

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Three is a nasty cluster of speed drawn immediately inside of this pair. Secret Lady (10) is a fast beginner and Witherspoon (11) can also go quickly if connections want her to.

And then head back to the other side of the track with the jockeys of Nomothaj (1), Jonker (2) and Anthemoessa (3) certain to make use of the favourable gates.

The ability levels of Ef Troop and Sunlight is beyond argument.

But their wins have been in smaller fields with trouble-free trips. The race map suggests such comfort won't be readily on hand this weekend.

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Jonker surely profiles well from barrier 2 with Hugh Bowman's booking a serious bonus.

Bowman has already captured the MM twice through Bradburys luck (2005) and Mimi Lebrock (2007).

I liked the way Jonker took cover and extended impressively at Wyong, winning with a widening margin.

I'm astounded Ubet doesn't have him as favourite post draw. Currently he occupies the third line behind Ef Troop ($4) and Sunlight ($4.4)

Maybe tab.com.au is more parochial as Jonker is their $4.2 favourite.

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An investment on Meryl at $16 wouldn't be the silliest gamble in the world.

She has the pace to utilize the good gate (4) and it's worth remembering she is one of the few proven at 1200m when she won the Bruce McLachlan at Doomben.

And I still maintain Outback Barbie is the best longshot at $26.

It promises to be a fascinating contest.

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