Rob Waterhouse gives his top picks for Magic Millions feature races

Rob Waterhouse isn’t turned off by a wide barrier in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas while he also gives his pick for the 2YO Classic.

Rob Waterhouse has Space Rider and Tuileries as his top selections in the Magic Millions feature races. Picture: James Croucher

Iconic bookmaker Rob Waterhouse has identified Space Rider as the horse to beat in Friday night’s rescheduled Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast.

The only problem is the horse isn’t assured of a start given it’s first emergency in the $3m contest.

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained colt was electric when winning at Eagle Farm on debut and currently sits on the fourth line of betting in a tight market as a $7.50 chance.

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Peter Snowden’s filly Memo is the $4.80 favourite ahead of La Bella Boom ($6.50) and Invincible Woman ($7).

“I thought Space Rider was currently first pick in my mind but he’s not assured of a start,” Waterhouse said.

“He looked like the standout and if he’s not in the race, it looks like a really open contest.

“But it was hard to not be impressed by what he did on debut so he’s the one I want to be with in the race if he can get in.”

Michael Kent Jnr is excited to see what Space Rider can do during the Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival 👀@MickPriceRacingpic.twitter.com/dxNVxQaBWM

— Racing.com (@Racing) December 31, 2024

As it currently stands, Space Rider is long odds to get a start with chief steward Josh Adams reporting all runners currently in the field were passed fit to run.

Should Space Rider not get a run, he’s set to go around in Queensland regardless, but is no spoil in the first race on the card at Eagle Farm as the $1.35 favourite.

A few races later will see the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas take place and Waterhouse is confident which galloper has the most talent.

He labelled Tuileries as the standout pick and isn’t turned off at all after drawing the widest possible barrier.

🟣 Bhima Grad Winner 🟣
3YO filly Tuileries (So You Think x Hediard) is in a league of her own, posting a stylish maiden win at start two for @SnowdenRacing1 at Canterbury 🤩

Bred by GSA Bloodstock, she was a @mmsnippets GC buy for her trainers & @wj_bloodstock.

Congrats! pic.twitter.com/nFdl2ulH7q

— Bhima Thoroughbreds (@BhimaTBreds) December 13, 2024

“There’s a stack of speed in this race and I think Tuileries is the one to back with the pace on,” Waterhouse said.

“I’m not concerned by the wide barrier because of the fact that I think they will go very fast and maybe the outside part of the track is the place to be.

“She’s the best horse in the race and because she’s drawn a bad barrier, you will get a good price about her.”

Tuileries has a slight grip on favouritism as the $6.50 top elect with Bauhinia ($7) and Snitzanova ($7.50) the only other horses in single figures.

The daughter of So You Think is only a veteran of three starts and has won both this preparation in impressive fashion, the latest over the 1300m at Randwick.

Originally published as Rob Waterhouse gives his top picks for Magic Millions feature races