Lightning Start For Magic In Melbourne
14 February, 2018
Thoroughbred
In-form trainer Chris Gangemi is hoping stable star Rock Magic will receive an overdue slice of luck this Saturday, as he takes on a red hot field in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Rock Magic returns to the scene of what was arguably his best performance on the east coast, when he was beaten just over three lengths by Redzel in the Darley Classic in November.
The Redoute’s Choice gelding once again clashes with Redzel this Saturday, as well as fellow Group 1 winners Redkirk Warrior, Terravista and Hey Doc.
Gangemi said the gelding had settled in well ahead of his first-up assignment, where he will be ridden by Michael Dee, who replaces the suspended Damian Lane.
“Michael gave him a gallop at Flemington yesterday on the grass and he’s very happy with him,” Gangemi told TABradio’s The Sports Daily.
“He’s freshened-up really quickly and really well.
“He has got over there in good order.”
The eight-year-old had four starts in Melbourne last campaign, three of them at Group 1 level, before he returned to Perth and finished fifth in the Winterbottom Stakes in December.
Gangemi said he was pleased to see how Rock Magic coped with consistently racing at the top level.
“He’s been working super and doesn’t seem to know his age,” he said.
“Most other top class sprinters are good for a year or two and that’s about it.
“This bloke has been racing at the top level for two or three years.”
In the Darley Classic Rock Magic drew barrier one and was the first horse home on the flat side of the course, with the first five runners across the line all going to the grandstand side.
Once again, Rock Magic has come up with barrier one on Saturday afternoon, but Gangemi said he was hopeful the track would be more even come Saturday afternoon.
“He’s had no luck whether it be leading up to a race or during a race,” he said.
“Last time we came down the straight it was the end of the Flemington carnival and the fence was no good.
“Hopefully that is not the case, we’re not on the wrong side and he can run in the placings.”
Rock Magic opened a $23 chance on TABtouch, while Redzel is a warm $1.80 favourite for the Weight-For-Age Group 1 sprint.
Tim Walker