8-year-old gelding Rock Magic will line up as the top-weight in this Saturday’s Perth Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes. It will be start number forty-four for the Western Australian veteran, and if successful will be his first group 1 victory after placing in this race last year, beating this year’s favourite State Solicitor (6th) in a close finish.
It was a tough spring campaign for Rock Magic however trainer Chris Gangemi is happy with where the horse is at this prep.
“Most horses don’t get better at eight but he’s the fittest he’s ever been,” Gangemi told The West Australian.
“He used to just be a fresh horse but he comes through every run super now.
“After every run in Melbourne he was bouncing out of his skin.
“That was why he had all four runs. He travelled back well and I couldn’t be happier with him.”
“Hopefully nothing goes wrong in the next six days and if he gets there in good order, he’ll be a big chance.”
No doubt he has the class in this field, coming off four impressive runs at Flemington, Moonee Valley and Caulfield in very handy company, running a close up 4th in the Group 1 Moir Stakes back on the 29th of September, 1.6L off She Will Reign who carried only 50kg.
He was then placed in the Group 2 Schillachi at Caulfield on the 14th of October, coming from 7th and eating up the ground to just miss, finishing 0.3L 3rd behind Super Cash.
He battled in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes prior to a very honest showing in the Darley Classic down the straight at Flemington on the 11th of November. Jumping at $41, the long shot led the inside pack and eventually finished in 6th place, only 3.45L off The Everest winner Redzel, and 1.95L off Impending, who, might I add is bound for a big big future.
Rock Magic recorded a very smart 34.08 for the final 600, beating home big names Redkirk Warrior, Vega Magic, Super Cash, Malaguerra and Speith. Rock Magic currently sits on the third line of betting, opening up at $6.50.
