Bring it on.
That is the message from Sunshine Coast trainer Gary Duncan ahead of the $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Chris Waller’s Kiku is the $4.50 favourite with Ladbrokes to win what promises to be a high-quality feature race over a mile.
Duncan’s Dzsenifer has been given odds of $12 to win, but the trainer believes his four-year-old mare will relish the step up in class on Queensland Oaks Day.
“I hope there’s a bit of speed, to be honest. I think there might be,” Duncan told HorseBetting.com.au.
“She’s always been straightforward. She’s looking good.
“There are a couple of handy fillies who will be hard to beat. She’s in good shape.”
Dzsenifer’s last start was a victory in the $150,000 Silk Stocking over 1400m at Gold Coast Turf Club on May 7.
Duncan believes she can build off that performance this Saturday.
“It was good for her to win a black-type race. But she’s always been up to it – this is about her standard,” he said.
“I know she likes it soft, but she handled the heavy ground well.
“(Hopefully on Saturday she’s) one or two back.”
Indeed, the stakes will be high for Duncan on Saturday.
But whatever happens, he is just happy to be alive after almost losing his life on July 24 last year.
That was after he suffered a heart attack at Doomben Racecourse following the first race of the day.
“I’m lucky to be alive, no doubt about that. It (my heart stopped for) nearly 20 minutes,” Duncan said.
“My cousin’s sons were beside me. As soon as I dropped they just pumped me to keep the blood going.
“That saved me from being a spastic.
“It was nearly 20 minutes before I got a heartbeat. Lucky the ambulance was near the barriers for race one.
“I was hit three times with the defibrillator.”
Nowadays, Duncan is just grateful to be back doing something he loves.
And he is enjoying success, with seven winners from his past 50 starters, two of those going to three-year-old gelding He’s All Mingo.
“I was out of action for a month, and in hospital for six days. Every day is a bonus,” Duncan said.
“He’s A Mingo looks like a pretty smart horse.
“I keep 15 horses at a time.”
More horse racing news
