Sir Luminar confirmed Millions runner

Thursday 3 January 2013, 3:22pm

Michael Nolan will press ahead with Magic Millions plans for Sir Luminar boosted by an endorsement from jockey Hugh Bowman.

After Sir Luminar finished a tiring sixth to Missy Longstocking in last Saturday's B J McLachlan Stakes, Nolan considered ending the colt's Magic Millions Classic campaign.

Those plans changed when Bowman indicated a willingness to stick with Sir Luminar at the Gold Coast on January 12.

"I thought after he was beaten at Doomben that Hugh would want to ride something else but his manager rang and said he was happy to stay on our horse," Nolan said.

"That was what swayed our decision to press on to the Millions."

The trainer's worst fears were realised when Sir Luminar drew gate 11 in the 12-horse field in the McLachlan and was trapped wide going to the first turn.

He said although Sir Luminar had a hard time in the early stages he expected the colt to show more fight under pressure in the straight.

At his previous start Sir Luminar stamped himself as a genuine Magic Millions contender with an impressive debut win in the Phelan Ready Stakes at Eagle Farm when ridden by Chris Munce.

Bowman replaces Munce who will start treatment next week for throat cancer which was diagnosed early last month.

Mark Riley also will continue with a Millions campaign for I'm Too Sexy after she finished second last in the McLachlan.

I'm Too Sexy hung out noticeably on the home turn when she came into heavy contact with another runner before Luke Currie eased her down in the final stages when it was apparent she was out of winning contention.

Riley said the filly jarred up on the firm Doomben surface and he will vary her preparation to include more sessions in a water walker.

I'm Too Sexy will gallop on the course proper at the Gold Coast on Tuesday morning as her final fast hit-out before the Millions but will do most of her training in the water walker.

The decision by Nolan and Riley to press on to the $2 million race will make the task much harder for the Kelso Wood-trained Real Surreal to make the field.

Real Surreal is currently 20th on the order of entry and will need to finish in the placings in Saturday's Two-Year-Old Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm to gain enough prize money to secure a Million berth.

Adding to the difficulty for Wood, Real Surreal is fourth emergency at Eagle Farm.

– AAP

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