Trainer Chris Gangemi is convinced Perth sprinter Rock Magic has improved from his spring return in the Moir Stakes and will be suited in the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield.
Rock Magic finished fourth in the Group One Moir (1000m), won by She Will Reign, two weeks ago at Moonee Valley and runs second-up in Saturday’s 1100m weight-for-age Schillaci.
The eight-year-old gelding was just behind the leaders in the Moir and loomed up to leader and eventual third placegetter Sheidel approaching the 100m before She Will Reign and Viddora powered home over the top of the frontrunners.
“I thought it was a really good run,” Gangemi said.
“Although he had a bit of cover he was three-deep on a hot speed and fought on really well.
“He peaked on his run a touch but he hadn’t trialled before that so I think that will bring him on and I think the 1100 metres for him second-up is perfect.”
Rock Magic was taken to Caulfield for a familiarisation gallop on Tuesday morning with race jockey Jarrad Noske making the trip across from WA for the hit-out.
“He said he worked super,” Gangemi said.
“He worked as good as he ever does and got around the track well and pulled up well.”
A multiple Group winner in the west, Rock Magic is on the third line of betting for the Schillaci Stakes at $6.50 behind Sheidel ($3.60) and Super Cash ($5).
The Moir and Schillaci were two of four possible spring carnival races in Melbourne for Rock Magic, with the Group One Manikato Stakes and the Darley Classic the others.
“Obviously the last two are going to be very strong but we’ll see how he goes on Saturday,” Gangemi said.
“We’ve also got the Winterbottom Stakes in Perth later in the year, so we want to have him spot-on for that too.”
