Greg Hickman reveals likely Magic Millions 3YO Guineas race strategy for Eleven Eleven

Trainer Greg Hickman will likely instruct jockey Keagan Latham to put Eleven Eleven on 3YO Guineas favourite Alligator Blood’s heels in an attempt to overcome a horror barrier.

TRAINER Greg Hickman will likely instruct jockey Keagan Latham to put Eleven Eleven on 3YO Guineas favourite Alligator Blood’s heels in an attempt to overcome a horror barrier.

Hickman didn’t want to know the name of the person who drew barrier 21 for his $19 Magic Millions Guineas chance, knowing the wrath they could face.

“It’s not very good at all,” Hickman said.

Eleven Eleven will likely jump from alley 17 if all the emergencies fail to run and Hickman is hoping the gelding, who runs just off the speed, can latch on to $1.80 favourite Alligator Blood, a leader who will jump from eight.

James McDonald looks on with trainer Greg Hickman after winning race 7 on Pierata during Sydney Racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse on August 4, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“We will sit down and have a look at who can take us into the race,” Hickman said.

“We are only a few barriers off Alligator Blood so probably try and come out and find the fence behind his back I’d say.”

Eleven Eleven struggled after shifting to Hickman’s Gold Coast stable at the end of last year but found form again in NSW, winning three straight races at provincial level at Kembla Grange before being sent to the north again where he placed third at Doomben over 1200m on November 30.

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That was followed by a second and third respectively over 1200m and 1400m at Eagle Farm in December.

“In the early days up there he was going too hard too early,” Hickman said.

“Now I believe we can put him anywhere we want to in the race.”

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