Racing: Trainer picks longshot

Veteran trainer Howard Wilson believes he can provide a winner for "longshot" punters in today's A$2 million Magic Millions Trophy at the Gold Coast.

Wilson, who began training on the coastal strip 25 years ago, believes Spot On Target can cause an upset in the 1400m feature.

Spot On Target, a Danny Nikolic mount, is a A$71 chance with TAB Sportsbet with Shoot Out the A$4.80 favourite.

Wilson believes his colt is way over the odds. "No one is picking my horse and he's a A$71 chance but I can tell you he's a lot better prospect than that."

Wilson keeps his age a well-guarded secret, revealing only that he decided "not to go past 60".

His best wins in his long career were two victories in the Group Two Villiers Handicap at Randwick with Zing Along in 1981 and Shining Wing 10 years later.

Spot On Target lost favour for the Trophy following his last-start 12th to Graceful Anna in the Group Three Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) at Doomben on Boxing Day.

The son of Markane previously produced an eye-catching performance to finish ninth, just over three lengths behind the winner Dual Chamber, in the Gold Edition Plate (1200m) at Eagle Farm two weeks earlier.

Rain has threatened all week at the Gold Coast but has mostly missed the track, rated a dead four. Said Wilson: "Rain would help his chances if we get some as he loves the wet."

- AAP