An exhibition gallop between races at Caulfield was just the work David Hayes wanted to see from its Everest contender Vega Magic.
Senior co-trainer Hayes said the gelding, who was ridden by race jockey Damien Oliver, had a healthy blow after the work but was on target to defend his Group One Memsie Stakes title at Caulfield on September 1.
Lindsay Park took the opportunity to gallop Vega Magic at Caulfield, saying the race day experience would be of benefit for the gelding.
“He’s a horse you can’t work in company because he wants to overdo it a bit so an exhibition gallop was ideal for him,” Hayes said.
“The only time he sees company is in a race or a trial when the tempo is strong.
“He had a good blow today, he’ll probably have a good gallop late next week and then we’ll just taper into the race.”
Hayes said Vega Magic was heading back to the Lindsay Park property at Euroa for his final preparations.
Following the Memsie Vega Magic will be trained for his shot at The Everest at Randwick on October 13, a race he finished second behind Redzel last year.
“He’s got six weeks after the Memsie so he’ll have a freshen up and then we’ll gradually build him up,” Hayes said.
“We’ll probably give him a look at Randwick before the race and hopefully he’ll go one better than last year.”
