O’Shea no stranger to Magic Millions success

It may be slightly unusual for the famous Godolphin royal blue colours to be seen at the Magic Millions meeting on the Gold Coast, but trainer John O'Shea has already visited its winner's enclosure twice and he is keen to make it a third success on Saturday.

Prior to taking the reins as Godolphin's head trainer in Australia two and a half years ago, O'Shea landed the MM Fillies and Mares, and also sent out the winner of the Maiden.

"It's a great day's racing, and I'm pleased we have a runner with a solid winning chance," said the trainer, who grew up in North Queensland.

His runner this year is the ultra-consistent Kinshachi in the MM Fillies and Mares and he is hoping that a pair of blinkers will assist in her quest to register a fourth consecutive win this season.

Kinshachi has been a progressive mare, working her way through the ranks, with wins at Canterbury, Randwick and Eagle Farm at her most recent three starts.

Her last start victory in a Listed Quality Handicap for Jeff Lloyd at Eagle Farm was her best - and won her a deserved 'wild card' entry to a $1 million race usually restricted to horses sold at the Magic Millions sales.

"She has trained on nicely, and I am just hoping the blinkers can help her. She's been looking around in her races, and this might help her concentrate. She's fit and well and I'm happy with her," O'Shea said.

Drawn the inside in the 1,300m race, Kinshachi will have a lot in her favour, including the services of veteran Lloyd, whose consistency is impressive.