From Within new frontrunner for Magic Millions

Betting shifts after barrier draw announcement

Magic Millions racing carnival at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture: Glenn Hunt

RACING: Betting on the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did a U-turn following this morning's barrier draw, with Sydney filly From Within the new favourite after local filly Houtzen drew 21.

From Within was the second last horse to be allocated a draw and connections picked up marble number 7. If there's no scratchings, she will jump from barrier 4, whereas Houtzen will start from gate 16.

UBET tightened From Within into $3.80 (From $4), while Houtzen eased to $4 from $3.50.

Tab.com.au went even tighter on From Within to $3.60, but spokesman Glenn Munsie said punters shouldn't disregard the chances of Houtzen because of the draw alone.

"The automatic thing for anyone who sees barrier 21 is to be turned off, so Houzen will naturally ease,” Munsie said. "But one thing in her favour, she has very good speed in a race of not many high speed runners.”

Chris Munce's wife Cathy gave a big fist pump salute when she chose barrier 4 for the unbeaten Ours To Keep, who firmed up from $9 to $6.50 with UBET as a result of his good gate.

Munce had indicated her husband wanted "anything inside barrier 7” so it was mission accomplished.

The stable's other runner didn't fare so well, with Champ Elect drawing 17.

Among the other fancies, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's Invincible Star had her task made tougher with barrier 16, while conversely the Hayes family's Madeenaty drew the inside gate, the same barrier Capitalist came from to win last year.

Recent history is against Houtzen. The past 10 Magic Millions winners have come from single digit draws and so too have 14 of the past 15.

In the early years of the race it was dominated by outside barriers Malibu Magic (fillies division) and Molokai Prince the only horses to win from the 16 gate.

The last MM winner to salute from wide out was Mirror Mirror, who jumped from 15 in 2006.

Winning Rupert firmed up even more in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, as he drew gate 6 compared to the 20 that was allocated to second favourite Global Glamour.