 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Scott Collings confessed to experiencing pre-race jitters, but Mogo Magic quickly dispelled them by delivering yet another dominant performance at Randwick. This further solidified his chances of winning the $2 million Kosciuszko.
Goulburn's Rising Star Shines Bright
The Goulburn sprinter was exploring unfamiliar territory with the Godolphin Lifetime Care Handicap (1100m), which was his first Saturday-grade test outside of Highway company. However, not only did the 3YO cloth meet the challenge, but he also displayed another skill by staying close to leader Authentic Jewel and seizing the opportunity instead of taking control.
"It was probably a good thing today that he was a bit slow away because he's shown everyone he's not just a leader, he can have a sit as well," Collings said. "It was a good job with 60 kilos and first time in Benchmark grade to win like he did.
"I was a bit nervous today, just on the grounds that, you know, we're coming out of Highway grade, and there's a lot of people sort of saying, ‘is he the real deal or is he not’, and he's come out today and shown them that he is."
Mogo Magic is still a popular choice for the Kosciuszko (1200m) with odds of $6, just like last year's winner Front Page. However, Far Too Easy and Opal Ridge are the top favorites with odds of $4.50.
Although Mogo Magic still needs to prove himself over 1200m, Collings confirms that he will be given the opportunity to do so before the October event.
"The plan is now that he will go home, have a break, he will trial at Goulburn on the day the slots are drawn and then we'll have a crack at 1200 before we go into the 'Kosi'," Collings said.
"I think on today's effort 1200 is not going to be a problem. He's the best horse I've ever had."
Regular partner Nick Heywood rode Mogo Magic and was impressed by his acceleration in the straight. The horse managed to hold Vindication at bay by three-quarters of a length, with Smashing Eagle finishing in an eye-catching third place, just a head away.
"Geez he let rip today," Heywood said. "I was quite comfortable to let the leader go, we went at a nice enough clip, we didn't go too quick.
"In his work, we've been teaching him to sit off and he's just been going straight past them, so it worked out ideal today."