Exciting country sprinter Mogo Magic has underlined his claims as a serious Kosciuszko contender, showing speed, grit and class to extend his unbeaten run to four with a scintillating performance at Rosehill.
Lumping 60kg and giving weight to more seasoned rivals, the $1.75 favourite was pressured in the lead but shook off his company at the top of the straight and kicked clear to beat Salire ($12) by 1-1/4 lengths with Tai Lung ($21) third.
The three-year-old remains unbeaten after four starts and while mindful Mogo Magic’s wins have been in country and Highway Handicap grade, trainer Scott Collings says the horse just keeps raising the bar.
“It was great to see him win like that today. They served it up to him early and he was still good enough to beat them with 60 kilos,” Collings said.
“It’s the first time anything has got close to eye-balling him and they were giving it to him a long way from home.
“He’s very exciting. He’d be my best horse I’ve ever had.”
Collings has designs on a start in The Kosciuszko (1200m) at Randwick on October 14 for which Mogo Magic is an equal $6 second pick behind star filly Opal Ridge ($4.50).
Given tickets in the sweepstake went on sale on Saturday, Mogo Magic’s latest victory was timely while also proving he could extend his brilliance to at least 1100 metres.
“Whether we get a slot or not, who knows, but that’s our target,” Collings said.
“We’ll sit down with the owners and work out a plan of attack and what we think is the best way to get to the Kosciuszko.
“He’s still got to step up a bit, but this horse has got brilliant speed and he’s proven that today with 60 kilos.”
Nick Heywood has been an important part of Mogo Magic’s journey riding him in three of his four wins, including Saturday’s Highway Handicap (1100m).
He said the gelding did a good job to absorb the early pressure and felt 1200m would be “right up his alley”.
“The times he has shown at home, Group horses are doing those times,” Heywood said.
“I’m not saying he’s one yet, but if he keeps going the way he’s going, I know it’s a Highway but the times he is showing are better than a Highway.
“He’s still got a lot of improvement left.”