OTI will have a double hand to play on Magic Millions Raceday being represented by both West Of Africa and Wymark on one of the Gold Coast’s biggest stages.
While West Of Africa returns to defend his Magic Millions Cup crown, Wymark has his sights set firmly on the $1 million Subzero.
OTI’s 2025 Magic Millions star West Of Africa returns this Saturday with a familiar target in mind, lining up in the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) with the hope of defending his title.
West Of Africa wins 2025 Listed Magic Millions Cup.
Twelve months ago, our flashy chestnut produced a memorable performance to claim the $2
million event securing one of the biggest wins of his career. This weekend, he gets the chance to go back-to-back in the feature race.
While his two lead-up runs this preparation resulted in midfield finishes, they were always designed to bring him along steadily toward this assignment. Those runs have served their purpose, and he arrives at the Gold Coast ready to deliver his best performance when it matters most.
A quiet swim at the beach this morning gave him the chance to relax and stretch his legs ahead of the trip to Queensland. The Archibald team are very pleased with how the gelding has come into the race, noting that he looks terrific and the nice freshen of four weeks between runs should work ideally for him.
Also flying the OTI colours on the day is Wymark, who steps out in the $1 million Subzero (2200m). The Group 2 winner has been in excellent order since his most recent victory at Caulfield on December 20, and he backs up into Saturday’s contest off an encouraging run last week when finishing sixth in The Wave.
That race was run against much sharper horses so we didn’t see a true reflection of his staying ability. This week’s race is a more suitable assignment, with handicap conditions and the step up in trip expected to be much more favourable.
Trainer Gavin Bedggood reported a straightforward morning with the gelding at the beach today and is very happy with how he is feeling ahead of the weekend. With Craig Williams back in the saddle after gaining familiarity with the horse last week, connections are confident Wymark can be right in the mix.