Race outsider short priced to pick up $300k bonus

Tigroni might be a $41 outsider for Saturday’s Magic Millions, but the John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained filly is a short price to pick up $300,000 for the ladies’ bonus.

The bonus is for female-only syndicates and has three fillies running for it, with the other two contenders, Leaves Of Lorien and Inhabit, both $151 chances.

O’Shea is quick to point out how important Tigroni is for the stable.

“It is owned by my wife Isabelle, Tom’s wife and mother-in-law and a group of ladies, so it is a very important horse to us for many reasons,” O’Shea said.

“It is great we have got her to the Magic Millions and she will run better than that price.“

“She has had three runs and three times, she has been three-wide, so getting the good gate [of seven] was very important.“

“I think Zac [Lloyd] should be able to get a good run on the back of the favourite [Warwoven] and if she can do that I think we will finish in the top five and could give them a scare.“

“She’s a good little filly.”

Tigroni races in the O’Shea stable maroon, but with the addition of a silver fleur de lys.

“Isabelle designed the colours to make it a bit more special and it’s a great way for ladies to get involved,” O’Shea said. “We just need to win them a race.“

“Three runs for three placings is a good start, but pressure is on to win a race and the Magic Millions would be a good place to start.”

The O’Shea-Charlton team is quite strong on the Gold Coast, including last start winner Countyourblessings in the Magic Millions fillies and mares, Getafix in the Cup and Cellarmaster in the Guineas with Damien Lane to ride.

“He won a Maiden the other day and the form has been quite good out of it,” O’Shea said.

“I had a similar horse run a good race in the Guineas last year and I think this bloke is better.“

 “Other than the favourite [Ninja], it’s not a vintage edition of the race and I think he could run in the placings.”