Champion jockey ready to build on growing Millions tally with She’s All Class

JAMES McDonald blew off the isolation cobwebs at Eagle Farm on Wednesday as he prepared to potentially become the leading rider in Magic Millions history tomorrow.

McDonald has won seven MM features since 2013, including a double last year on Outback Barbie and Madam Rouge.

Of the feature races being run on tomorrow’s $10Million card, McDonald, Corey Brown and Hugh Bowman have all won seven each.

Brown has the edge however, as he also rode Midnight At Ascot to win the Country Cup when it was previously on this day, in addition to a Magic Millions Class 6 on Ready To Rip.

McDonald shoots for his first win in the 2YO Classic when he rides She’s All Class for Chris Waller. He also has Adelaide’s Light (Maiden), Exhilarates (Snippets), Irithea (F&M), Aim (Guineas) and Sambro (Cup) in his quest to build on his Magic Millions tally.

McDonald made the decision to get out of Sydney for a fortnight to ensure he was able to ride on the Gold Coast tomorrow.

He said given the options he had at the time, it was an easy call to make.

“I had a good two-year-old, whether it was going to be the filly (She’s All Class) or the colt (Shaquero),” he said, adding it was disappointing he couldn’t ride Forbidden Love in the Guineas owing to her only having 54.5kg.

“It’s been a great day. Every year I’ve had a bit of luck, so hopefully it continues for sure.”

To ensure he will be at his peak for tomorrow’s big day, McDonald made the call to “burn a few around” at Wednesday’s Eagle Farm midweeker, where he won on first starter Kozluca.

“I didn’t want to rock in there three weeks without riding a horse to a big day like that,” he said.

“It’s a really good raceday and one of the must-dos on the calendar and that’s why I did two weeks (out of Sydney).”

Punters will be placing their faith in McDonald to overcome what looks a nightmare draw for She’s All Class in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

The I Am Invincible filly burst into Millions contention with a dominant win at Wyong under McDonald, who admitted he was taken by surprise at what she did that day.

“I didn’t think she would do what she did. Even though she works okay at home, you wouldn’t say she’s a topliner,” he said.

“In saying that, she’s just an absolute racehorse, she turns up and goes to a new level and that’s the sign of a good horse.

“The barrier is obviously not ideal, but it is what it is. She’s not a particular one it matters too much where she draws to be honest.

“She’s a horse that is pretty adaptable to where she fits into a race scenario, so I will just play it as it goes.”

Originally published asMcDonald says She’s All Good for Magic Millions

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