Kersley Upbeat Over Magic Performance
Trainer Brian Kersley has declared Baramagic as a horse to watch going forward after the son of Blackfriars careered away to an easy win at Ascot on Wednesday.
The three-year-old, ridden by Lucy Warwick, created a big impression when he overcame a wide run to shed his maiden status at just his fourth career outing.
Justifying $3.10 favouritism, Baramagic burst clear at the 200m and won the David Grays Aglink Maiden (1500m) by 2 ¼ lengths, defeating Snow Bamboo and Ouqba Ted.
The Sharon Miller-trained Shadow Hunter ran an eye-catching seventh after he stood flat-footed at the start, losing as much as five lengths.
Kersley said Baramagic, bought for $18,000 at the Perth Magic Millions yearling sale, had produced a powerful performance.
“He went terrific,” Kersley said.
“He ran a really good race first-up and had trained on since.
“Today (Wednesday) I think he showed what he is capable of as he matures and develops into a nice horse.
“I do think he can turn into a nice Saturday horse. Where we go next, I’m not sure, we’ll have a look and chat to connections and go from there.
“He is just an immature little kid, like a big giraffe. If you look at him he is all legs and neck and not much else.
“He doesn’t think like a racehorse until he comes here and hops in the gates.
“I’m very happy with the future.”
Warwick said she wasn’t overly concerned when Baramagic was camped three wide with no cover.
She says Kersley’s patience with the bay gelding is being rewarded.
“There was a spot for him if I really wanted to get in,” Warwick said.
“The pace was just that little bit slow and it was better for him to keep rolling.
“He is a good enough horse and I think he will get over a bit more distance.
“Brian has done a good job looking after him, he is the type of horse who needs time and that’s what Brian has done with him.”
Baramagic was also Kersley’s first victory for the season and a tremendous fillip after a painful 12-months.
“I had a knee replacement and it’s been very painful,” Kersley said.
“It’s taken a lot longer to get over than I had anticipated.
“A win like Baramagic makes the pain disappear.”
Julio Santarelli