Racing writers Trenton Akers and Ben Doris have been on the Gold Coast all week ahead of the Magic Millions on Saturday, and there have already been plenty of major talking points.
Confrontation: Well Ben, you've put the cat among the pigeons with your spin on Channel 7's plan to select Magic Millions riders to wear AirPods behind the gates on Saturday. It caused a firestorm on social media but seems like a good idea, fairly simple and straightforward and something the race should embrace?
Bahraini dinar: Social media is like the Wild West. Some of the exaggerated reactions from people who haven't even read the story are ridiculous. It's clearly nothing like Racing Victoria's proposal last year which involved lifting riders during the race. I hope Channel 7 stands firm and moves forward. Let's not overstate this, it's not that different from interviewing jockeys on horseback before big races.
Confrontation: Here we are at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, which is teeming with millionaires, but there's no story quite like Cairns' Cliff Little, the lowly former disabled worker who went on a horse-buying spree after winning a $40 million fourth lottery. Years ago. IT'S MY FAVORITE STORY OF THE WEEK I think his horse Severado is on the verge of winning Saturday's $3 million 3YO Guineas for Toowoomba trainer Rex Leeb.
Bahraini dinar: Imagine you won $40 million. I would be happy to win $40. I'm in such bad shape I'm going to hit up Magic Millions and Harvey Norman's boss Jerry Harvey for an interest free loan. Early signs indicate that Jerry will be the winner again, with Magic Millions sales off to a strong start.
Confrontation: Let's cut to the chase. What's your take on your famous $3 million 2YO Classic? To me, it seems like the race has a long tail with few chances?
Bahraini dinar: Approves. The main problem for some silhouettes will be staying out of the way of some slow ones that will act like speed bumps and will be overcome for a long distance. I'm not looking far and wide for a winner. Favorite Storm Boy ($2.40) looks to be the goods, has reached the 1200m box, has the famous Gai Waterhouse livery, and has been in the Sunshine State since before Christmas. I have identified the Godolphin Colt Parkour ($10) as the clear and present danger. He'll need some Jimmy Kah magic out of the gate, but he'll be as strong as a late bull, while the others search for an oxygen tank.
Confrontation: Solace for the connections between these two horses. I think Storm Boy will be tough to beat, but the draw is tough to touch. She loved the Arabian Summer Tour last Saturday and I think she can overcome the Ballarat Magic Millions curse this year. Give His Highness a big chance too. What do you like about 3YO Guineas?
Bahraini dinar: I was a Sydney Bowler until John O'Shea's up and coming star appeared in the cheap seats. My money would be on the Cifrado ($5.50) which looks set to boost your man Cliff Little's massive bank balance even further. I was neutered several years ago, and as I look back in my life, Severado has thrived. It was arguably the most impressive win anywhere in Australia on the day he won the Vo Rogue Plate.
Confrontation: Cheers will be heard from Cairns from the Gold Coast if Severado looms to win. Not to knock it from me, but if you're looking for some value, I can see Trifling ($21) coming home late with knockout odds.
Trenton Akers Classic Tips for 2YO
1. Arab Summer
2. Transcendence
3. Storm Boy
Ben Doris' classic tips for 2YO
1. Storm Boy
2. Parkour
3. Transcendence
■ Matt Williams and Ben Doris' weekly column will return on Thursday, January 25.
Originally published as Ben Dorries and Trenton Akers: 'Slow ones will act like speed humps': Magic Millions' long tail
