Connections of exciting colt Space Rider sweat on surprise Magic Millions berth

The rescheduling of the Magic Millions meeting to Friday night has left the door slightly ajar for exciting colt Space Rider to secure a place in the $3 million feature.

Space Rider dashes away under Chad Schofield to win the QTIS 2YO handicap at Eagle Farm for jockey Chad Schofield. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

The door has been left slightly ajar for exciting colt Space Rider to secure a surprise place in Friday night’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast.

Stranded as first emergency for the $3m showpiece, the son of Zoustar failed to gain a start in the race initially slated for last Saturday before heavy rain put paid to the majority of the meeting which will now be staged under lights on Friday night.

The rescheduling of the race sees emergencies reinstated, giving trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr a glimmer of hope that their charge - a $7 third favourite in betting - could still snare a place in the 1200 metre feature.

But even without a start in Friday night’s Magic Millions, Queensland racing fans are assured of seeing the well-bred colt in action this weekend.

“If he secures a run (in the 2YO Classic) on Friday night we’ll head there but if not he’ll go to Eagle Farm on Saturday,” Mick Price declared.

“There’s a nice 1200 metre race on Saturday that fits in well so the preference is to obviously go to Friday night but the race on Saturday is a good second option. If he goes there James Orman will ride.

“He really needs a run. He’s in his box and carrying on a bit so the hitout will do him the world of good.”

Space Rider soared to the pointy end of Magic Millions betting with a dominant victory on debut at Eagle Farm on December 28 with Chad Schofield in the saddle.

Schofield began a 13-day suspension for careless riding at the Sunshine Coast on January 4 from Sunday.

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And while Space Rider’s connections are sweating on a start in Friday night’s rescheduled Magic Millions, so too are a number of punters who secured generous odds about the much-hyped colt prior to his slashing all-the-way debut victory.

With the barrier draw remaining in place, Space Rider will exit barrier four if there is a scratching and he does secure a start.

Originally published as Connections of exciting colt Space Rider sweat on surprise Magic Millions berth