Dedicated Melbourne trainer Mick Price was on hand at the Gold Coast to put his wards through their paces on Jan 7, even if a few question marks hover over their runs this coming Saturday on Jan 11.
Price, who trains in partnership with Michael Kent Jr, has entered four runners at the lucrative The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday.
As much as their gallops could not have pleased Price more, they could not completely put a pencil through a few pending unknowns.
While Gold Coast Turf Club officials are supremely confident the A$13 million (S$11 million) marquee meeting will be maintained at the Surfers Paradise venue, a last morning test gallop on Jan 9 will be the clincher.
A section of the Gold Coast track was discovered to be damaged last week, forcing the Jan 4 meeting to be transferred to the Sunshine Coast, but emergency remedial works seem to have since patched up the affected area.
Price still kept a guarded optimism about his Queensland prospects, even if the venue was not the only factor not cast in stone.
For example, Space Rider, his entrant in the day's highlight, the A$3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1,200m) may miss the run. The son of Zoustar is only a first emergency acceptor.
"There are a few unknowns. One is if they run the races," said Price.
Denne historien er fra January 09, 2025-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 09, 2025-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Jessica Alba, Cash Warren reportedly heading for divorce
Another Hollywood romance has come to an end, it seems.
Model for Shrek's Donkey dies at age 30
Perry, a miniature donkey whose handlers said was used by DreamWorks animators as a model for the chatty Shrek (2001 to present) character named Donkey, died last week at the age of 30.
Wicked tops SAG Awards nominations
Hit musical Wicked topped the nominations on Jan 8 for the influential Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, which are key to Oscars glory, while Golden Globes darling The Brutalist received only one nod and Maria star Angelina Jolie was shut out.
Sammo Hung celebrates turning 73 with grandsons
Hong Kong action star and filmmaker Sammo Hung spent his 73rd birthday on Jan 7 with his two grandsons.
Emaviwe takes on new challenge with Chiangrai
At the start of the 2024 football season, Jordan Emaviwe outlined three key objectives for his campaign: To establish himself as a regular starter for Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Premier League, secure a national team call-up, and earn a spot in the Lions squad for the Asean Championship.
XINGTONG BEATS NERVES
Teen qualifies for 2nd HSBC Women's World Championship, targets under-par round
REFEREE'S CALL CHANGED GAME, FUMES SLOT
Reds boss feels Bergvall should've been sent off, instead of staying on to get the winner
We all have point to prove: Potter
West Ham United's new boss Graham Potter said he has become a better manager following his ill-fated stint at Chelsea, who sacked him in April 2023.
'Right decision' on duo lifts Barca before semi win
Barcelona received a massive boost before their Spanish Super Cup semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao on Jan 8, with news that Dani Olmo and Pau Victor can play in the final, to the delight of Hansi Flick and his team.
'Novak can vent all he wants, as long as he gives his all'
Novak Djokovic's former rival-turned-coach Andy Murray does not want the Serb to suppress his emotions on court, and is even willing to be the target of any angry outbursts, as long as the 24-time Major winner gives his all at the Australian Open.
