Racing
Magic Millions Classics full of force
The two Magic Millions Classics in Hobart on Friday are set to be dominated by short-priced favourites, with two horses that may well be right out of the top drawer.
Mazzini has taken all before him this preparation, atoning for a first-up defeat in the 3YO Cup, by winning his next four races. He'll start a very popular elect in the $75,000 Magic Millions 3YO/4YO Classic (1200m).
Mazzini's recent win in the $75,000 Ladbrokes Stakes at weight-for-age may have been his most impressive for the campaign, making light work of some of the state's best sprinters.
Craig Newitt had the ride on that occasion, filling in for regular rider Kelvin Sanderson, who will be back in the saddle on Friday.
Newitt shifts to unbeaten 3YO filly Swift Force, who comes off her own impressive victory in the $50,000 Blackflash last start.
"Mazzini is arguably one of the best horses in Tassie, but I'm riding a very high-class filly," Newitt said.
"I think it'll be a very good race to watch. It's two high-potential horses, and I've got no reservations whatsoever that they'll stack up to races outside of Tassie."
The presence of Mazzini has likely scared a few rivals away, with just six acceptors for the 3YO/4YO Classic.
Price isn't right for BlackerUnbeaten 2yo colt Aristopolos is poised to stretch his winning streak to four in the $85,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m).
Since Aristopolos won his maiden in Launceston on 10 December, speculation has been rife that trainer John Blacker has turned down considerable offers for his emerging star, with those rumours intensifying after his win in the Listed Kevin Sharkie Elwick Stakes (1100m) on 25 January.
The $60,000 purchase has earned more than $162,000 in prize money for connections and appears poised to surpass $200,000 with a victory on Friday.
Only three of the seven starters in the 2YO Classic have raced previously, with Sovereign Dash (third) and Copper Reign (sixth) finishing behind Aristopolos in the Elwick Stakes.
The rise from 1100m to 1200m should only suit Aristopolos, who will again be partnered by regular rider, Erica Byrne Burke.
All eight winning trainers on Friday's program will receive a $5,000 Magic Millions voucher to be redeemed at the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale on 23 February.
The two Magic Millions Classics, and the Listed $150,000 Magic Millions Tasmanian Derby, will be broadcast on racing.com, alongside the usual coverage on Sky Channel and Tasracing Live.
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