Magic Amelia looks to start life in Donnelly stable on strong note at Wagga

It is the first run under Donnelly's care for the three-year-old after three career runs in Queensland for Brisbane-based trainer Chris Anderson.

The filly did plenty wrong in finishing a third-length second behind Miss Doonan in her last start at the Gold Coast on August 15, and was the $3.20 TAB favourite on Wednesday.

She is likely to lead or be just off the speed from barrier four, but Donnelly said the fact she hasn't been sighted for almost 150 days makes her a slightly unknown quantity.

"The last couple of runs in Queensland she ran really well, I just haven't been able to get a couple of trials into her that's all," Donnelly said.

"At the 200 she might look the winner, but it's just whether she can finish it off.

"She's eligible for the BOBS bonus so we thought we'd bring her down here. She was a little bit erratic (last start), but she's improved I think since then and has a great rider on (Matthew Cahill)."

Perennial bridesmaid Jodhpur will also look to end it's near year-long run of near misses up against a strong field in the Class Two Handicap (1000m).

Since his second career win on January 21 last year, the five-year-old has finished second or third in six straight starts.

Jodhpur is a $6 chance in a market headlined by Matthew Dale's Distillate ($2.60), who has won consecutive races at Gundagai and Nowra for the Canberra trainer.

Distillate also looks ideally placed at the weights with apprentice Madison Waters taking a 3kg claim.

"He (Jodhpur) has been a bit unlucky. Sometimes it's been his fault and it's a pretty competitive race on Thursday, but hopefully this is the day," Donnelly said.

Cherry Tortini's half-sister Torsiton will also contest the Class One Handicap (1300m) after finishing second last start to Faramondo at Wagga on Christmas Eve.

"It was her first go for me moving up in distance (1400m), she ran on well but just found one better on the day," Donnelly said.

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