Blinkers could help The Odyssey in Classic

the odyssey
Trainer Kelly Schweida will consider putting blinkers on The Odyssey in the Magic Millions Classic.

Queensland’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic hopeful The Odyssey could carry blinkers in the big race.

The Odyssey was one of the few Millions chances to draw a good barrier when part-owner Joanne Whalley picked up No.2 at a function on Surfers Paradise beach on Tuesday.

Godolphin filly Exhilarates is now the TAB’s $5.50 favourite for Saturday’s $2 million Classic (1200m) after drawing barrier nine and she will start from seven if the emergencies drawn inside her fail to get a start.

The previous favourite Unite And Conquer drifted to $6 after drawing barrier 18.

The Odyssey shortened to $21 but is expected to be well backed this week after drawing so well.

Trainer Kelly Schweida has been keeping blinkers up his sleeve for Millions day.

The Odyssey won two races before finishing third behind Exhilarates at the Gold Coast last Saturday.

“Jim (jockey Orman) said he wanted to look around a bit on Saturday,” Schweida said.

“So blinkers are the option and I will decide overnight what we will do.”

Schweida said things had gone to plan for The Odyssey in the past month.

“We meet Exhilarates better at the weights and we got gassed from a wide barrier last week.”

“Some of the others are poorly drawn and we should be able to jump and get into a nice position.

“She is an all-women syndicate so there are plenty of incentives with an extra $500,000 bonus.”

Dubious is now a $7 chance after drawing barrier seven and his trainer Ciaron Maher was delighted.

“He worked on the course proper at the Gold Coast with regular trackwork rider Annabel Neasham on Tuesday morning,” Maher said.

“He breezed up over 600 metres and pulled up well. He is ready to go.”

Godolphin’s Australian managing director Vin Cox said Exhilarates’ draw was perfect for the filly.

“We have only just got back into the sales market and to have a favourite for the Classic is obviously pleasing,” he said.

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