Trainer Barry Baldwin believes Racing Pegasus has the necessary killer instinct to claim the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast.But Baldwin, who has never had a runner in the 1200-metre two-year-old feature, fears his close friend, jockey Shane Scriven, could spoil the party on boom filly Paprika.Paprika firmed to $2.50 favouritism for the Magic Millions Classic after drawing well in barrier six while Baldwin was delighted when Racing Pegasus drew gate two.Baldwin has great resp

Trainer Barry Baldwin believes Racing Pegasus has the necessary killer instinct to claim the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast.

But Baldwin, who has never had a runner in the 1200-metre two-year-old feature, fears his close friend, jockey Shane Scriven, could spoil the party on boom filly Paprika.

Paprika firmed to $2.50 favouritism for the Magic Millions Classic after drawing well in barrier six while Baldwin was delighted when Racing Pegasus drew gate two.

Baldwin has great respect for Scriven as a competitor and often uses him as a rider for his large team of horses.

"My filly is very determined but Shane Scriven has just as much determination as her," Baldwin said.

"On paper Racing Pegasus can't beat Paprika who has the runs on the board.

"But the biggest thing in our favour is that Racing Pegasus is only lightly raced and is still improving.

"I'm just hoping my filly can put the right amount of pressure on in the race so Paprika crashes."

Racing Pegasus showed blistering pace to score off a wide barrier in her race debut at Doomben on December 6 then led all the way again in a commanding three length victory on the same track on December 20.

The daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus will again be ridden by unheralded jockey Danny Craven who has had limited opportunities in the Magic Millions Classic.

Baldwin may not have had a runner in the Magic Millions Classic but he has had past success on the big raceday with his former top sprinter Arimathea who won the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) in 2000.

Baldwin, 65, has been training for 44 years but to date his biggest race success was his only Group One triumph with La Montagna in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in 2006.

"I won this race with Belaya when it was known as the Golden Nugget in 1992 but since it became the Magic Millions I've never had a starter," Baldwin said.

"Winning the Magic Millions won't be as prestigious as winning the Stradbroke with La Montagna but money wise it would be my biggest win.

"I couldn't have wished for a better draw with barrier two for my filly and she should lob straight on the rails as the runner inside her, Fairchild, hasn't got much early speed.

"Although she'll have everything in her favour from the start she doesn't have to lead."

Baldwin began training as a 21-year-old around Roma in Queensland's central western districts and won 14 trainers' premiership at Maranoa before settling at Toowoomba.

"I won 14 premiership in the Maranoa area and then won three premierships when I moved to Toowoomba," he said.

Baldwin later ventured to Brisbane to further his career and has been one of Queensland's leading trainers ever since with two Brisbane trainers' premierships.

He also had a brief overseas training stint where he also claimed the Macau premiership in season 2000-01.