Veteran Gold Coast trainer Noel Doyle is confident he can pull off another upset with Celtic Dancer in the Magic Millions Guineas on January 15.

Celtic Dancer (3g Choisir – Little Wonder Why by Kala Dancer) clinched a start in the million-dollar feature after landing a $51 win in QTIS Coastal Tipper Hire Hcp at the Gold Coast last Saturday.  Despite starting at cricket score odds, the gelding never looked in danger after dropping the favourite Audacious Spirit in the straight.

The Choisir gelding is closely related to 2009 Magic Millions 3YO Trophy winner Tempest Tost.

Celtic Dancer was now won four of his seven starts and over $140,000 in prizemoney and QTIS bonuses.  He was a $40,000 buy from Klemley Park at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions Summer yearling sale.

“He was unlucky in the Gold Edition last time and we knew he was a better horse than that,” Doyle said as Joe Bowditch brought the winner back to scale.  “Once he got to the front and was travelling, I thought he would be very hard to run down.”

Doyle, 68, has a wealth of experience after a lifetime in racing.  He trained the Group 1 performers Kinjite, Stylish Century and Don’t Play and is looking forward to the Magic Millions Guineas.  “The penny has only just started to drop with Celtic Dancer,” he explained.  “Hopefully, last year’s home town luck with Military Rose will rub off on Saturday week.”

Coolmore shuttler Choisir sired Celtic Dancer from a winning half-sister to celebrated mare Lady Violet (Old Crony) who foaled 11 winners including G1 Salinger Stakes winner Notoire (Export Prince) and Magic Millions 3YO Trophy winner Tempest Tost (Statue of Liberty).

Celtic Dancer’s dam Little Wonder Why has missed for the last three years to Eureka Stud sire Red Dazzler and she was covered by Show A Heart in October.

The Magic Millions Guineas is wide open after the withdrawals of Toorak Toff and Squamosa.  New favourite Top Drop is at $4.60 while Celtic Dancer is currently quoted at $11.