Craig Williams Heads North Early

Leading Melbourne hoop Craig Williams will head to Queensland on Thursday despite not yet having a ride lined up for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, reports racenet.com.au. "I've been in contact with (racing) officials in Queensland about the state of play there and I will go and get a COVID test as soon as I arrive in Queensland on Thursday," Williams said. "I will have enough time to get tested and get the results back before taking rides at the Gold Coast on Saturday." He will ride the Godolphin runner Alice Through (Snitzel-Mirror Mirror, by Dehere) in this Saturday's Magic Millions 2YO qualifier, the $125,000 Aquis Gold Pearl over 1100m on the Gold Coast. Trainer James Cummings has previously backed up the 2019 Classic winner Exhilarates (Snitzel-Samaready, by More than Ready) who won after also winning the week prior to her Magic Millions victory. Williams will also ride Danny O'Brien-trained Paradee (Epaulette-Icy Heels, by Medaglia d'Oro) in the $250,000 The Wave over 1800m on Saturday. The winner of The Wave gains a wildcard entry to the Magic Millions Subzero run a week later. Williams' other ride is on Leon and Troy Corstens-trained The Astrologist (Zoustar-Aquada, by Flying Spur) in the $250,000 Magic Millions Rising Stars over 1300m; The Astrologist was a last start winner at Pakenham for Williams.

Alice Through is following a similar path to Exhilarates (pic: Steve Hart)