Newnham aims newcomer at Magic Millions

Carnina was bought with the Magic Millions in mind so the filly’s first race day experience at Rosehill will influence whether she returns to the Gold Coast.

Trainer Mark Newnham admits race day inexperience could be against Carnina who is one of 10 newcomers among the 14 nominations for the 2YO Handicap (1100m) on Saturday.

“It’s very hard to win first-up, 1100 at Rosehill. Generally the horses with a little bit of experience have an advantage,” Newnham said.

“Despite that it’s a good starting point for her. We think she’s good enough to qualify for the Magic Millions, now she just has to do it on race day.”

He was confident Carnina, who cost her Singaporean owners $100,000, would make the most of her two opportunities to make the field for the $1.9 million 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 13.

“She’s got good natural ability. She’s a big strong filly. She’s got a good constitution and that’s what you need at this of the year with those two-year-olds,” he said.

Newnham also has three-year-old filly Star Sensation nominated in two 1400m-races, a 3YO Plate and Benchmark 80 Handicap.

He will make a call on which race she contests when acceptances are taken on Wednesday with the filly chasing her third win from five starts this preparation.

“It’s been an outstanding campaign and there might be another run or two after Saturday,” he said.

Newnham trialled promising colt Super Ex at Warwick Farm on Tuesday as he prepares to embark on a Magic Millions campaign.

Unbeaten in three starts as a three-year-old, Super Ex will resume in the Gold Edition Plate (1200m) at Doomben on December 16 and race again a fortnight later leading into the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).

“He’s done well and he’s on track,” Newnham said.