Trainer Stephen Miller admits consistent galloper Magnificent Andy will have a tough task to overcome a wide barrier in tomorrow’s Swan Draught-Belmont Sprint (1400m) at Belmont Park.
The gelding enters tomorrow’s Group 3 feature in stellar form, following a fourth placing to Jokers Grin in the Kia-Quokka (1200m) and Northam Stakes (1300m) on April 26 and May 11 respectively.
His chances of scoring a breakthrough win this campaign in the Belmont Sprint were dealt a hammer blow when he drew barrier 18 but will start from barrier 14 if all four emergencies are withdrawn.
Miller said jockey Brad Parnham would need to produce a quality ride from the draw.
“It’s a hot line up and he’s drawn a sticky barrier,” Miller told TABradio.
“We will leave it up to Brad, he knows him pretty well.
“We will hope for a bit of luck going our way.
“He should run a creditable race.”
Magnificent Andy’s start to this campaign follows a consistent spring campaign which saw him placed in the Eurhythmic Stakes (1400m), Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) and Gold Rush (1400m).
The son of Magnus finished third in last year’s Belmont Sprint, before going on to win the Hyperion Stakes at his next start.
Northam Stakes winner West Star heads up the TABtouch market at $2.80.
Last year’s Belmont sprint winner Western Empire is on the second line of betting at $4.40, while The Boss Lady ($7.50), Bustler ($8) and Magnificent Andy ($9) are the other runners in the market.
Miller also has progressive mare Toropa engaged in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Handicap (1200m) later in the afternoon.
The mare produced a stellar performance to win over 1000m first-up at Ascot last month, before she was unplaced at her most recent start.
Miller said he was prepared to forgive Toropa for the second-up disappointment.
“I don’t know what happened to her the other day,” he said.
“For her standard it was a plain run.
“She’s come through it really good and she’s worked well.
“Brad was of the opinion she was looking for 1200 or 1400 and Belmont would suit her a lot better.
“We are going on his judgment.”
Toropa sits on the second line of betting at $5.50 behind $4.60 favourite Stormchaser.
Miller also has Elite Missile, Noneofyourbusiness and More Than Enuff engaged on the Belmont card.
Tim Walker
Image - Pacepix
WATCH - Magnificent Andy's first-up Quokka effort