Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig is looking forward to the return of Vega Magic after his autumn carnival was cut short by injury.
Vega Magic had one start in the autumn, finishing second last in the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick won by Santa Ana Lane.
“The one thing I’m happy about is he’s had a good spell,” Dabernig said.
“Prior to that he’d been in work a long time and this time he’s coming off a proper break and build-up.
“He bolted up in the Bletchingly a year ago and I don’t think he’s lost any of that form.
“He had time off with a sprained fetlock. It X-rayed pretty well but there was some soft tissue damage which has been resolved.”
Vega Magic had his second jump-out at Flemington on Friday and while it may not have looked impressive, Dabernig and fellow Lindsay Park trainer Ben Hayes were happy.
The 800m jump-out started on a bend with Vega Magic a little slow into stride and although pushed, he worked through the line well.
“Being a big horse he probably wasn’t suited as they jumped on the bend and it’s probably not his preferred ground,” Dabernig said.
“Even though it was the first trial, it was quite choppy.
“He loves it bone dry even though he has won on the soft before but as he’s got older he tends to be a bit more fussy about his surface.”
Track conditions could determine where Vega Magic makes his return.
Options are the Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington on August 10 or the Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield the following week.
Either race will lead to the Group One Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 31.
“Genuinely Flemington and Caulfield are pretty good unless you get rain on the day,” Dabernig said.
“The Aurie’s Star probably suits him better, however he’s so good at Caulfield but he’ll get a big weight so we’ve got to make a call.”
