Tulloch Lodge trainer Adrian Bott says nothing has changed regarding Shiki’s Magic Millions Classic campaign following her defeat at Randwick.
The filly, who narrowly claimed the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) in October, was heavily backed for Saturday’s TAB Plate (1000m) but finished outside the placings, prompting her Classic odds to ease to $8.
Shiki controlled the race early and dashed clear on the bend before tiring late, ultimately finishing fourth, beaten 2-3/4 lengths by Warwoven.
Bott said the run aligned with expectations given the filly’s preparation and reiterated the Gold Coast feature remained her goal.
“I haven’t lost faith off the back of (Saturday),” Bott said.
“I think she is the right horse to take up there. The benefit is she’s qualified, so we were under no pressure, and it was a nice starting point for her.”
Bott had stressed before the race that Shiki’s major target was still weeks away and that Saturday’s run would bring her on.
The two-year-old is likely to race again at the Gold Coast a week before the Magic Millions and Bott is confident she can take improvement from the experience.
“She is a very fast filly and has always been that way. I just want to see her harness her speed, which she can do,” he said.
“She was in need of that run, and we’ve got a few things to work on which we’re aware of.
“A different race set-up for her will be beneficial because she can be adaptable.”
Warwoven’s victory saw him firm into $6 in Magic Millions betting, equal with Lumbini, who scored impressively in The Debut (1000m) on Friday night.
Bott confirmed Lumbini would also be given a chance to book her place in the $3 million race.
“She was excellent, and she is Magic Millions-bound,” he said.
“She will probably run again in two weeks’ time and then head there.”
Paradoxium remains the $3.50 favourite for the Magic Millions Classic and is set to continue his preparation in the B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.
Punters tracking Magic Millions form can stay updated through the Australian betting sites list.
