Umawinner needs double luck at Gold Coast

Promising filly Umawinner will need a double dose of luck to make the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic field.

The David Vandyke-trained filly has been in the Magic Millions markets since winning a Sunshine Coast trial by four lengths on December 13.

She was to have her first start in the Group Three B J McLachlan Stakes last Saturday but was a late scratching at the barrier.

The filly reared in the gate and struck her head but has since recovered.

Vandyke decided to have one last throw at the stumps for a Millions start by entering Umawinner in the 1100m-race for two-year-olds at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

Vandyke’s racing manager Alan Thomas said Umawinner faced a major task to get into the $2 million Classic.

“She is obviously handy and the plan is to win on Saturday and then hope there are enough horses dropping out to get a start,” Thomas said.

“In other words we need a double dose of luck. Funnier things have happened and you have to be in it to win it.”

Trainer Toby Edmonds is likely to start Houtzen, a brilliant last-start Doomben winner, in the race.

Houtzen is in a clump of horses vying for a position in the 16-horse field for the Millions Classic but there is a risk that several could leapfrog her if they win on Saturday at the Gold Coast or in Sydney.

First or second prize money would assure Houtzen, who is the odds-on favourite in Saturday’s race, a place in the Classic.

“The fact Saturday’s race is just a walk across the road from her stables is also a factor,” Edmonds said.