Time to conjure some magic

CONNECTIONS of talented youngster Aladdin hope he can conjure some magic against a strong field tomorrow night.

Unplaced against older rivals in Bendigo a fortnight ago, Aladdin will return to age-restricted racing at the same venue.

Despite competing against his own crop, the son of Sweet Lou faces “a more difficult race” according to trainer Greg Norman.

“I wasn’t disappointed with his run last time around,” Norman said. “In old handicapping terms he was in an M2 and his time would have had him right up amongst them in the three-year-old race.

“That said, Saturday is probably going to be a more difficult race.

“There are some nice young horses in the field and some strong form around him.”

Winner of last season’s Harness Millions in New Zealand, Aladdin captured the South Australia Derby earlier this year.

The gelding was also successful during his two outing before his recent unplaced performance.

With champion horsewoman Kerryn Manning to take the reins, Aladdin will begin from barrier four.

Despite his drawn and form, TAB Fixed Odds have Aladdin among the outsiders at $41.

Highly-touted colt Bondi Lockdown heads the market at $1.55 from barrier six.

“He is well over the odds at that price,” Norman said. “Not a lot of respect there!

“Bondi Lockdown deserves to be favourite, but I wouldn’t think there is that big a gap between them.

“You’ve to remember we’ve raced him in the Derby and beat him!”