Magic Millions 2YO Classic favourite Capitalist expected to face competition from Nikitas

JUST one horse stands between Capitalist and Magic Millions glory — and it’s not Zelady’s Night Out, according to leading race analyst Neil Evans.

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JUST one horse stands between Capitalist and Magic Millions glory – and it’s not Zelady’s Night Out, according to leading race analyst Neil Evans.

Evans has put forward Brisbane colt Nikitas as the challenger most likely to create an upset win in the Gold Coast’s top race on January 9.

That is despite Zelady’s Night Out leading Nikitas home at last start and carrying shorter odds ($7 to $11).

Capitalist is a raging hot favourite for the $2 million 2YO Classic at $1.80 but Evans, from betting.club, believes the Kelso Wood-trained Nikitas is the most genuine option for those looking for a worthy underdog.

“Let’s face it, unbeaten Capitalist is super smart and might just be way too good but I was so taken by Nikitas’ last furlong in the BJ McLachlan on Boxing Day when he was a little slow out and struggled to find a position,” Evans said.

“The field went along and he spent most of the race chasing, came off the bit, but still picked up and hit the line very strong.

“In a race of more heat and pressure, if he can begin with them, find any sort of challenging position and be no more than three lengths off them on the turn, he’s the one to come after Capitalist who will probably park in a more forward position.”

Regardless, Evans was sure the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Capitalist would be primed for a strong run. “By the time they jump, $1.80 now could well look very big.”

The Snowden camp is confident Capitalist can put a dramatic couple of days behind him when he gallops between races at Randwick tomorrow ahead of his Magic Millions bid.

The colt missed a scheduled barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday morning with a slightly elevated temperature.

He will gallop between races at Randwick on New Year’s Day along with his stablemate Mooshakissa who is also bound for the Magic Millions 2YO race. Co-trainer Paul Snowden said the problem was minor and had been blown out of proportion.

“His temperature is back to normal now,” Snowden said.

“It wasn’t a big thing.

“We’ll see how he goes on Saturday and then decide when he goes up to the Coast.”

Paul and his father, Peter, produced another talented colt at Canterbury on Wednesday, with three-year-old Yulong Ambition winning a 1250m-maiden at his second start.

“He’s immature ... but he has talent,” Snowden said.

Yulong Ambition is by Starpangledbanner who, despite being sub-fertile, has stamped the progeny he does have with the ability he showed on the track as a multiple Group One winner in two hemispheres.