Eckstein to test Winning Rupert: Goldman

Goulburn trainer Kurt Goldman is one of the few who isn’t conceding Saturday’s $2 million Magic Millions Guineas will be a walkover for star colt Winning Rupert.

Goldman has every respect for the unbeaten Winning Rupert who will start odds-on favourite in Saturday’s Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast.

But he is growing in confidence Eckstein can make a race of the Guineas which has a long history of upset results.

Eckstein made it four wins from seven starts and four wins in a row when she beat a field of seasoned sprinters in an open handicap at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The filly came from well back to swamp the older horses on the line in a solid final work-out before next Saturday

She is now at $12 on the third line of betting for the Guineas behind Winning Rupert and dual Group One winner Global Glamour.

Goldman has had a team on the Gold Coast in recent months and has planned the Guineas assault carefully.

He dodged Winning Rupert and Global Glamour at Eagle Farm on New Year’s Eve and set Eckstein for Saturday’s race.

“She has had plenty of work and I expected her to race a little more dour on Saturday,” Goldman said.

“She can be her own worst enemy and it was good for Brenton (Avdulla) to have a ride on her,” Goldman said.

“But all along our grand final has been the Guineas. One thing is she knows how to win and that is a major plus.”