Magic Millions 2YO Classic runner Betaima returns to racing

Gold Coast-based 2K Thoroughbreds owner Sterling Cincotta says it will take a fast horse to lead in front of Betaima and an even better one to beat her in the filly’s return to racing.

GOLD Coast-based 2K Thoroughbreds owner Sterling Cincotta says it will take a fast horse to lead in front of Betaima and an even better one to beat her in the filly’s return to racing.

Betaima will jump from barrier four of today’s Listed Bill Carter Stakes (1200m) at Doomben in her first race since finishing second last in January’s $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at Aquis Park.

Cincotta said the Magic Millions race was lost in the week leading into the race when he drew alley 17 for the horse but he was full of belief for this weekend’s run after strengthening up over a spell.

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“We thought it was a suitable race considering she was mixing with the better horses in the summer,” Cincotta said.

“She has definitely strengthened up. The Better Than Ready progeny’s seem to be doing better in their second prep, or carrying on with it at least. We expect her to be really competitive.

“The 1200m first-up is the query. It’s probably as unknown for us as it is for her.

“Everything tells us and suggests she will have no issues with it.

“She was electrifying in her trial a couple of weeks ago over 1000m and she eased down.

“That suggest to me she will have no issue with 1200m.

Jockey Jeff Lloyd (left) rides Betaima to victory in race 5, the Brisbane Broncos Sizzling Plate during Brisbane Broncos Race Day at Doomben Racecourse in Brisbane, Saturday, December 1, 2018. (AAP Image/Darren England)

“Doomben suits her and she gets to ping off that corner.

“It will take a fast one to lead her I’d say, not that we have to lead but it will definitely take a fast one to lead her.

“If something does want to take her on we will take a sit and hope at the top of the straight she goes on with it.

“It looks like a good race. There are probably three or four chances I think based on the top end form and couple of good chances drawing out wide. I expect her to be right there at the pointy end.”