Chauffeur in driver’s seat at Canterbury

The most expensive yearling sold at this year’s Magic Millions sale will be out to live up to his price tag and heritage when he runs at Canterbury.

Chauffeur, who cost $1.6 million, won on debut at Rosehill earlier this month and is safely in the field for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 14.

Trainer Gerald Ryan wants to make sure he is spot-on for the big race and the colt will run in the TAB Plate (1100m) on Saturday although the trainer admits the tight circuit is a worry .

“The 1100 metres around Canterbury is a concern,” Ryan said.

“But he has done well since his first start. He needs to run again before the Magic Millions.

“I want to see him win.”

Chauffeur is by the Ryan-trained Snitzel who ran third in the 2005 Magic Millions Classic.

The colt’s dam Mirror Mirror won the race the following year while his half sister No Looking Back was first past the post in 2012 before being relegated to second behind Driefontein on protest.

Chauffeur has an ownership group to fit his high profile with Black Caviar’s co-owner Neil Werrett, Mirror Mirror’s owner John Singleton and Damion Flower, who raced Snitzel, all having shares.

Nick Vass, who owned No Looking Back, is also part of the group.

Chauffeur has drawn barrier seven in Saturday’s 10-horse field and will be ridden by Josh Parr carrying top weight of 57.5kg.

Tiara Star, the only other winner in the field, is also an acceptor for the Bruce McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm as she attempts to boost her prize money to cement a Magic Millions berth.

She has drawn barrier 13 of 16 in Brisbane and three of 10 in Sydney.