Top jockey Hugh Bowman is full of pre-race confidence after his Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2018 mount for Saturday Jonker came up with the perfect barrier three draw for the Gold Coast clash.
World class jockey Hugh Bowman rides the favourite Jonker in the 2018 Magic Millions 2YO Classic field at the Gold Coast on Saturday. Photo: Sarah Ebbett.
A number of top fancies for this summer’s Restricted Listed $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) came up with wide alleys at Tuesday morning’s barrier draw including the Tony Gollan-trained Phelan Ready Stakes winner Ef Troop (18) and Team Snowden’s representative Bondi (20).
The David Atkins-trained Jonker however shot back to the top of Magic Millions 2YO Classic betting at Ladbrokes.com.au after coming up with barrier three for the race’s two-time winner Bowman, which could became gate two if third emergency Spirit’s Pride (1) comes out.
Bowman partners the well-bred Spirit Of Boom colt for the first time on the weekend replacing Aaron Bullock in the saddle.
Bullock has ridden Jonker for his successive career wins this summer when the horse saluted as the odds-on favourite on debut at Newcastle in the Max Lees Classic (900m) before a four length romp home in the Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) on December 21.
Newcastle-based Atkins has engaged the services of big race hoop Bowman, of Winx fame, for his colt’s biggest career test on the weekend and the jockey couldn’t be happier to have picked up the ace mount.
“I’m very pleased with [barrier three], a good draw is important particularly here at the Gold Coast and any big race really over a short course,” Bowman told the media from the Gold Coast post-barrier draw.
“Any little advantage is more of an advantage that in the longer races, so I’m very pleased with that draw.”
Speaking race tactics ahead of Saturday, Bowman said the near-the-rail draw did not mean Jonker would lead, opening up options later in the run.
“I’ve watched the replay of his Wyong win and I thought he ran around a little bit there and I’d like to think that he wouldn’t do that next time out,” Bowman said.
“It’s a much stronger race [on Saturday], there’s a couple of speed horses there that are unlikely to be stopping so we are going to have to be on our A-game and if we could have them in our sights turning for home we’ll see how good he is.”
Bowman also put Jonker through his paces on Tuesday morning with a solid piece of work, further boosting his confidence that the mature youngster could get the job done for the punters on Saturday.
“I rode him this morning and I’m very pleased with how he’s going, I’m looking forward to Saturday,” he said.
“He’s a very natural horse and has got a lovely temperament which is in my opinion just as important as being able to gallop.
“He’s a really good mover, I didn’t ask him to do a great deal this morning, I just wanted to get a feel for him and he’s a very sensible young horse.”
To back Jonker at the best Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic 2018 odds head to Ladbrokes.com.au today.
