PUMPED: Dale Smith guides Dusty Tycoon to victory at Doomben last November. The filly will run in Saturday's $2 million Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast.
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HE MIGHT only have a tiny share in Dusty Tycoon, but on Saturday on the Gold Coast, Nigel Fraser will get to live his racing dream.
The Bendigo man is among an ownership group of more than 700 from across Australia, many of whom will be trackside, as their unbeaten two-year-old shoots for victory in the $2-million Magic Millions Classic (1200m).
Trained at Eagle Farm by Robert Heathcote, Dusty Tycoon has proven an astute buy for the Mirunners Racing No.1 syndicate, having won both her previous starts at Sunshine Coast and Doomben.
The Written Tycoon filly has not raced since November 30, but showed she had lost none of her zip by winning an 840m trial at Doomben on New Year's Eve.
Win, lose or draw, Fraser, who is from Birchip originally, is readying for the experience of a lifetime.
"I only have a little share .... I can't afford to be spending $20,000 or $30,000 on a racehorse," he said.
"I've always loved horse racing, but never really got into it because of the cost. This (syndication) was a good way to get involved and meet some new people.
"I'm not really in it for the money side of it, for me it's about the enjoyment.
"It's not everyday you can say you have a horse running in a $2 million race.
"I do have another share in a racehorse, who is possibly having his first start next week."
The connections of Dusty Tycoon will be well represented at Aquis Park, with more than 500 of her owners to congregate in their own specially cordoned off area at the bottom of the straight.
Fraser, a purchasing manager at McCullochs Hydraulic Engineers in Bendigo, rates the filly 'a fair chance' despite being a $19 outsider.
"She's done pretty well straight off the bat, winning her first two starts," he said.
"She hasn't drawn a real good barrier (15), that's the only drama, but a bit of luck and you never know what might happen.
"Two-year-old racing can be a bit up and down, you never know what's going to happen. She's in with a shot.
"She's got good gate speed and even though she's drawn wide, if she gets out well, she can still get across the field and snare a handy position."
Trainer Heathcote conceded luck would play a major role in Dusty Tycoon's chances.
"I really thought she had a top chance from a good barrier, but it will be tough now," he said.
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