Tom Dabernig is expecting Gold Mag to remain undefeated when he tackles a restricted race at Flemington.
Saturday’s VRC Member James Hibberd Handicap is a benchmark 70 race but it will give Dabernig and his fellow Lindsay Park trainers David and Ben Hayes a clearer guide to Gold Mag’s potential.
Gold Mag has looked outstanding winning his two starts to date, a maiden at Bendigo and a benchmark 64 handicap at Sandown which he won by a widening five-length margin.
Dabernig says Gold Mag has loads of talent but is still very raw.
“I don’t think he’s fully worked it out yet,” Dabernig said.
“If he wins on Saturday he could work his way towards some of those nice handicap type races.
“I said after he won his maiden he could be similar to a He’s Our Rokkii, maybe a little more brilliant than what he was.
“He’s Our Rokkii got through his classes pretty quickly and got to a Group One Toorak Handicap but it’s worth keeping in mind this is Gold Mag’s first preparation.
“He’s also bred to get a bit of a trip but at the moment he’s got quite a bit of speed.
“I’m not sure what his distance is going to be but if he can get a mile and beyond he’s going to quite exciting.”
Gold Mag is the odds-on favourite for Saturday’s straight 1200m-race while there has been support for the Tony McEvoy-trained Illumicon who firmed from $8 to $4.60 soon after betting opened.
Illumicon resumed with an impressive 1000m-win at Sandown last month and has since won a jump-out up the Flemington straight.
“That horse of Mac’s by Nicconi looked all right when it won so I think it will give us a bit of a guide,” Dabernig said.
