Scott Collings admitted to feeling some pre-race nerves before Mogo Magic allayed them with another commanding performance at Randwick to underscore his claims for the $2 million Kosciuszko.
The Goulburn sprinter was venturing into unchartered waters with the Godolphin Lifetime Care Handicap (1100m) his first Saturday-grade test outside Highway company.
But not only did the three-year-old rise to the challenge, he showed another string to his bow in the process, camping at the flanks of leader Authentic Jewel and pouncing on her, rather than dictating terms.
“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 show them that he is.”
Mogo Magic remains an equal $6 second pick for the Kosciuszko (1200m) with betr, alongside last year’s winner Front Page and behind the two $4.50 fancies Far Too Easy and Opal Ridge.
He still has to prove himself over 1200m, but Collings says Mogo Magic will be given that chance prior to the October feature.
“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.”
Mogo Magic ($2.90 fav) was ridden by regular partner Nick Heywood, who was taken by his acceleration in the straight, the horse holding Vindication ($7) at bay by three-quarters of a length with Smashing Eagle ($9.50) an eye-catching third, another 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.”