Scholtz's Say
Magic Millions Preview with Chris Scholtz: 17th January 2026
Selections and best bets from Chris Scholtz for the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast on January 17.
Soft 5 track rating at 12 noon on Friday but up to 10mm of rain forecast for the Gold Coast over the next 24 hours with the warning of a "damaging" thunderstorm (hail/wind) on Saturday afternoon.
NOTE: An official vet inspection found the favourite WARWOVEN to be suffering low range lameness in his off foreleg on Friday morning. He requires a clearance to start on Saturday. Stablemate MASVINGO also requires a clearance after she was found to be lame in her near foreleg.
MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC
History is the foundation of form analysis for this race so take these factors into account:-
* Fourteen of last 16 editions of the MM Classic have been won by horses successful at their previous start. The other two (Shaquero/O' Ole) finished second and fifth.
* Four of the last 16 winners (Exhilarates; Sunlight; Houtzen; Le Chef) won on a seven day back up from the previous weekend. Shaquero also won on the back up after a short neck second.
* The BJ McLachlan Stakes has been the best lead-up since 2010 with five winners completing the double (Military Rose, Driefontein, Unencumbered, Coolangatta and Storm Boy).
* Only two MM Classic winners have had their final lead-up in NSW since 2010. Last year's winner O' Ole was fifth at Randwick and Capitalist won the Wyong Magic Millions in 2016.
* Since 1992 no MM Classic winner has had their final lead-up in Victoria.
* No horse has won the Magic Millions Classic at their second start.
SUMMARY - Taking times, margins and the barrier draws into account there is little between the unbeaten colts (4) WARWOVEN and (1) ZIPLOCK which says they should be closer in market assessments. WARWOVEN deserves favouritism as he ran the time winning easily at Eagle Farm on a Soft 5 and from his good gate gets the perfect sit but it won't surprise to see the betting market take a set against him. ZIPLOCK brings the winning BJ McLachlan form – also on a Soft 5 - and has the draw to have the last shot. Nothing went right for the Maribyrnong Plate winner (2) TORNADO VALLEY in his lead up behind ZIP LOCK. Blinkers added is a key gear change that has obviously been the plan for his grand final. (7) SHIKI responded brilliantly when ridden off the speed for the first time last Saturday, winning easily in the fastest of the two lead-ups. With 3kg less she is a genuine threat. (6) KNIGHTSBRIDGE is the best value for the exotics. Fitter after posting a fast last 200m winning first-up at Randwick. A good Gold Coast trial by (5) UNIT FIVE indicates he has progressed since an impressive debut win in Melbourne but he has race history against him.
RACE 7: (4) WARWOVEN; (1) Zip Lock; (2) Tornado Valley; (7) Shiki; (6) Knightsbridge; (5) Unit Five
RACE 6: (2) THE INSTRUCTOR
RACE 8: (1) NINJA
FOR VALUE
RACE 4: (6) SNITZANOVA
RACE 9: (7) WEST OF AFRICA
RACE 1: (2) BUCKEYE; (6) Melanite; (5) Zoufame; (10) Scrumptious
RACE 2: (10) OBEROI PRINCESS; (4) Mean Approach; (5) Letmeletgo; (17) Astra Star
RACE 3: (7) TOORAK JEWEL; (4) Wendell; (6) Lady Moscato; (5) Dolly Boom
RACE 4: (6) SNITZANOVA; (3) Encoder; (1) Miss Joelene; (10) Sun Worshipper
RACE 5: (4) JENNI THE FOX; (10) Yes Lulu; (6) It's A Knockout; (1) Dance To The Boom
RACE 6: (2) THE INSTRUCTOR; (1) Hidden Wealth; (6) Spywire; (8) Gin A Tonic
RACE 7: (4) WARWOVEN; (1) Zip Lock; (2) Tornado Valley; (7) Shiki; (6) Knightsbridge; (5) Unit Five
RACE 8: (1) NINJA; (15) Adorable Thought; (6) Spanish Treasure; (11) Icarian Dream
RACE 9: (7) WEST OF AFRICA; (2) Bosustow; (4) Need Some Luck; (1) Yellow Brick
RACE 10: (14) ROSELYN'S STAR; (7) Silentsar; (6) Ser Joh; (5) John Rambo
RACE 1 - (2) BUCKEYE: Strong form lines. Trials have him primed.
RACE 2 - (10) OBEROI PRINCESS: Rates to win off last start Gold Coast placing but race is a lottery.
RACE 3 - (7) TOORAK JEWEL: Outstanding trial. Gets J Mac on her home track.
RACE 4 - (6) SNITZANOVA: Well weighted after positive effort last Saturday. Ready for this.
RACE 5 - (4) JENNI THE FOX: Comes off a classy black type win. Drawn to get the favours.
RACE 6 - (2) THE INSTRUCTOR: Just nabbed by a smart one first-up. Excellent record this trip when second up.
RACE 8 – (1) NINJA: Beat them easily in the lead up. Has them covered on that form.
RACE 9 – (7) WEST OF AFRICA: Won this last year. Quiet lead ups have him ready for another bold effort.
RACE 10 – (14) ROSELYN'S STAR: Set for this for some time. Sydney form is good enough.
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