Conners' fillies chasing Millions start

By Mathew Toogood

SYDNEY, Dec 23 AAP - Clarry Conners' hopes of a second Magic Millions Classic victory will rest on the Boxing Day performances of stablemates Bright Heart and Offer.

The two fillies will chase a Magic Millions start when they compete in the AJC Corporate Membership Handicap (1200m) at Randwick.

"Both fillies are really nice fillies and are Magic Millions-bound but they've nearly got to win (on Sunday) to get a start," Conners said.

"It's only three weeks away and it's going to be hard because it is such a big field."

Offer, a daughter of Redoute's Choice out of the well-performed Media, has started three times with her best result a third to Anise and Saramenha over 1100m at Rosehill at her second start.

Bright Heart's only trip to the races ended in disappointment when the Dane Shadow filly put on a buckjumping display shortly after the start in the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions (1100m) and finished a long last.

The filly was ordered back to the trials by stewards and won an 800m heat at Warwick Farm on December 13.

"Bright Heart trialled exceptionally well and went to Wyong and pigrooted out of the barriers," Conners said.

"It was because of the tight saddle I think, that's all I put it down to."

Conners has won four Golden Slippers and also claimed the 2006 Magic Millions with Mirror Mirror.

The Warwick Farm horseman said he went to Wyong on December 5 expecting big things from Bright Heart.

"I went up there expecting her to win and then that happened," he said.

"She has come out and trialled brilliantly since in the fastest time of the whole day, even faster than older horses.

"She goes very well and then when I put them down and work them together there's nothing between her and Offer."

A full field of 16 plus two emergencies has been declared for the Randwick race with Bright Heart drawing the inside barrier while Offer came up with gate 11.

The Peter Snowden-trained Benfica, a winner on debut at Rosehill three weeks ago, has topweight of 58kg and barrier four.

Offer is $35 in Magic Millions Classic betting with TAB Sportsbet while Bright Heart is at $61.

The Neville Layt-trained Karuta Queen heads the market at $3.50.