It’s too early to draw comparisons to his half-brother Vega Magic, but co-trainer Sean Casey liked what he saw from debutant Magic To Exceed at Belmont on Wednesday.
In what Sean Casey hopes will be a sign of things to come, Magic To Exceed made the perfect start to his career by winning the Regent Theatre Plate (1200m) in impressive style.
Tuned up with two good trial wins and partnered by Jordan Turner, Magic To Exceed raced on pace and fought on strongly in the straight to defeat Wise Words by a neck.
Ground Breaker ran on solidly from the back half of the field for third, edging out hot favourite Astrape who still searches for her first win after five starts.
Casey, who now shares training duties with his son, Jake, had two stints with Vega Magic, winning 10 races including three stakes events.
After linking up with Hayes-Hayes and Dabernig in Melbourne, Vega Magic won dual Group 1 races and finished second to Redzel in the 2017 edition of the Everest (1200m) in Sydney.
“He’s a good type and a lot quieter than Vega Magic, although not as mature at the same time,” Casey said.
“We’re treating him not as Vega Magic’s brother, but as an individual.
“He’s on the right path and so far, so good. I’m looking forward to him.
“He’ll have one more start maybe and bring him back for xmas.
“He’s still very new and needs to grow some more.”
Although he has big shoes to fill, Casey said Magic To Exceed already has one up on his more famed sibling.
“If you go back Vega Magic took three starts to win his first race,” Casey said.
“I trained his other brother Sirious Magic, a full to Vega (Magic), a bit too hard.
“So this bloke (Magic To Exceed) we will take nice and easy.
“Just let him find his own way and hopefully he can reach the heights.”
