Vega Magic is still on target for the Darley Classic at the Flemington carnival despite the disappointment of his Manikato Stakes run as the $2 favourite.
Friday night’s fifth placing in the Group One sprint at Moonee Valley was the first time the gelding had finished out of the placings for the Lindsay Park stable.
Sent out the $2 favourite, Vega Magic was buffeted during the race when eventual winner Hey Doc crossed to lead on the first turn.
Hey Doc’s jockey Luke Currie was subsequently suspended for 10 meetings.
Co-trainer Tom Dabernig said the former West Australian sprinter had a little nick on one of his hind legs that did not require stitching.
“I think in hindsight he stood in the gates for a fair while, stepped a bit slow than we wanted and then he got tightened up and lost his rhythm,” Dabernig said.
“Moonee Valley, at night, I think it all just went wrong for him.
“He got his rhythm all messed up and it was one of those races that didn’t work out for him.”
Dabernig said he and training partners David and Ben Hayes would monitor Vega Magive over the next few days.
The Group One Darley Classic (1200m) is on November 11 with Group One-winning stablemate Redkirk Warrior to also run.
“I think we’ll probably press on towards the Darley with Vega Magic,” Dabernig said.
“Obviously he’s never been down the straight before but at this stage I think that’s what we’ll do.
“He’s sound but we’ll keep an eye on him over the next few days.”
While disappointed Vega Magic wasn’t able to figure in the placings on Friday night, Dabernig got some minor compensation through Hey Doc’s victory.
Dabernig trained Hey Doc’s dam Heyington Honey after buying her as a yearling.
Heyington Honey died after leaving two foals – Hey Doc and an older mare Heather Honey.
