Michael Freedman will look to break through for his first Magic Millions Carnival win on Saturday, with Ninja leading his attack in the $3 million 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast.

Ninja surged to the top of Guineas betting after a commanding 4.8-length success in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) on January 3, but the draw threw up a challenge when he came up with barrier 17.

Freedman conceded the draw was far from ideal but said the camp would rely on careful planning to navigate the race.

“It is what it is, right?” Freedman said.

“It’s not ideal, but you can’t do much about it. We’ve just got to have a good look at the race and see how we ride him.

“Tommy (Berry) will do a lot of homework on the race, so hopefully we get it right.”

Despite the wide gate, Freedman believes the generous run to the first bend over 1400 metres could still play into Ninja’s strengths.

“He’s terrific. I couldn’t be happier with him – he’s thrived since his last win,” Freedman said.

“There’s a nice run into that first part so we’ll just get Tommy to do a lot of homework on the race and try and hatch a plan to overcome the gate.

“He’s good to go.”

Freedman will also have Encoder engaged in the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m), which the gelding claimed last year under the care of Lee Freedman.

Markets for the Magic Millions Guineas are already live across major online bookmakers as anticipation builds for Saturday night.

“He’s pulled up from his run really well,” Freedman said of Encoder after finishing second to Miss Joelene in The Wave.

“Damian Lane on, he’s a great jockey, he obviously races well at this track so he’ll give it a good shake.”

The post Freedman seeks maiden Magic Millions success first appeared on Just Horse Racing.