The lead-ups have been run and won, meaning every horse has had its chance to unseat Empire Of Japan at the head of Magic Millions 2YO Classic betting, but the son of Snitzel remains favourite heading into the week of the $2.5 million event.
Co-trainers Peter and Paul Snowden are supremely confident they have the powerful colt, who cost $680,000 at last year’s Gold Coast sale, right where they need him ahead of Saturday’s 1200-metre event.
Empire Of Japan was beaten at his final lead-up, finishing third to Fire Lane and Platinum Jubilee in the 1100-metre two-year-old handicap at Randwick on December 24, but Paul Snowden becomes more impressed with the fast-finishing run each time he thinks about it.
“It was quite evident early on that day that you needed to be stalking or in that sort of role and considering where he came from, being back that far and still hitting the line good, he’s run out of his skin and the sectionals would back up my theory,” he said.
Empire Of Japan, who finished just over half-a-length from Fire Lane, was the only horse to break 34 seconds for the final 600m, zooming home in 33.81secs. That included a 10.97secs split from the 400m to the 200m.
The Christmas Eve outing was Empire Of Japan’s first start since dominating his rivals in the Group 3 Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick on October 1 and Snowden said he would improve greatly this weekend.
“Knowing where he our horse was, he’d won one (so he was) into the Millions, so he’s going to improve a hell of a lot,” Snowden said.
“We’re very happy with where we sit with him.”
Empire Of Japan heads a powerful Magic Millions arsenal for the Snowdens, who also have joint second favourite Sovereign Fund – who is also raced by Newgate, China Horse Club and Trilogy Racing and partners – and Godfather prominent in betting.