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By Ray Hickson

Magic Takes Important Step Towards Kosciuszko

Trainer Scott Collings says exciting sprinter Mogo Magic still has to prove himself as a genuine Kosciuszko contender but he took a big step in that direction with a superb Highway win at Rosehill.

The Goulburn trainer admitted to feeling a little pressure as the three-year-old stepped out for the first time since February already sitting on the $6 line alongside defending champ Front Page in The Kosciuszko market.

Mogo Magic wins at Rosehill (Pic: Steve Hart)

But, after he made it four from four in an all the way victory over 1100m, Collings said it was a box ticked on the way to securing a place in the $2 million feature on TAB Everest day.

“I think he’s still got to step up a bit but this horse has got brilliant speed and he’s proven that today,’’ Collings said. "

“They served it up to him early and he was still good enough to win with 60kg.

“The Kosciuszko is our target. Whether we get a slot or not, who knows. We probably do need to try him at 1200m but after today I don’t think it will be an issue.”

Mogo Magic retained his spot on $6 in the Kosciuszko market, with Opal Ridge $4.50, and winning on the day the Kosciuszko tickets go on sale puts him in forefront of people’s minds.

Jockey Nick Heywood said his rivals didn’t make it easy for Mogo Magic in the early stages but it’s a testament to his talent that he was able to absorb it and then have the audacity to kick away.

“They kept me honest especially the one outside me. He got on the wrong leg all the way around the corner then he changed to the right leg as they put pressure on him,’’ Heywood said.

“He’s a funny horse, the times he’s shown at home Group horses are doing those times.

“I’m not saying he’s one yet but if he keeps going the way he’s going, I know it was a Highway, the times he’s showing are better than a Highway.”

Collings won’t know until after the 14 sweepstakes winners are drawn on September 8 whether Mogo Magic will earn a spot in the race but said he’s in no rush and will consider whether or not he sends the gelding around again before then.

Eagle Still Kibou’s Spring Target

What’s effectively a “snotty nose” has forced Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to abort Kibou’s winter campaign but the Golden Eagle remains the sparing target for the promising gelding.

Kibou was set to run as a short priced favourite in the Furphy Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill but Bott was was left with no choice but to scratch the three-year-old and start again.

“There was some inflammation there, it’s untimely. With the timing we’ll give him a let up now and reset and still have that aim in for the spring,’’ Bott said.

“Now’s an easier time to help him get over whatever he’s picked up. He’s not the first horse to be scratched on race day with a little hiccup and won’t be the last.”

Bott was hoping that Kibou would win and pick up some important ratings points to take him closer to a run in the $10 million Golden Eagle, run at Rosehill on November 4, but said ultimately if the horse is good enough he’ll make his way there naturally.

Waller Eyes King’s Spring Group 1

Expect champion trainer Chris Waller to aim some of his stable stars at the inaugural running of the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Everest Day.

Trainer Chris Waller (Pic: Bradley Photos)

Fresh from a visit to the UK where Waller met His Majesty, the 12-time premier trainer said the enhancements to the Sydney Spring Carnival announced in London last weekend provide more opportunities and is looking forward to the challenge of mapping the spring.

There’s now $87 million on offer through the carnival, which runs from September 16 to November 25, with the TAB Everest lifted to $20 million and a number of new races.

“Whilst it may be seen as splitting the pool of horses I don’t see that,’’ Waller said.

“I can see people trying to find horses to run in these races, and from overseas. We’re in negotiation at the moment to buy a serious horses that could come out.

“There’s no many targets to can aim at - Group 1s, big prizemoney races and stallion making races.”

The $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m), at weight-for-age, will be run in the place of the George Main Stakes which has been renamed after the monarch and moved to October 14.

Waller said he’ll ensure he incorporates the race into the programs of some of his proven milers.

“The King Charles is normally a second-up run after the Winx, it’s an interesting one,’’ he said.

“We’ll have three or four horses that will be aiming at the race like Fangirl, Osipenko, Lindermann, Zougotcha.”

Gun Apprentices Turn Record Chasers

Just how many winners will this season’s champion apprentice ride by the end of July?

If Dylan Gibbons and Zac Lloyd have anything to say about it, whoever claims the title could set a mark that will be tough for future apprentices to match.

After piloting Fawkner Park to victory in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (2400m), to make it a double for the day, Gibbons said the friendly rivalry between the apprentice group, and with Lloyd as they single out to decide the title, will only drive them further.

Gibbons leads on 65 with Lloyd, who also rode a double, on 63 and both have already eclipsed what you’d call the modern day record (last 40 years) of 60 held by Tye Angland from 2006-07.

Malcolm Johnston’s 1975-76 mark of 107.5 looks pretty safe for a while.

“Who knows how many we can get, hopefully we can set the benchmark,’’ Gibbons said.

“I’m not sure what the most an apprentice (has ridden) in this day and age but me and Zac might have to have a look and have a crack at that.

“We’re egging each other on and it’s friendly banter but if it’s going to mean we ride an extra 10 between us then I’m sure we’ll happily oblige. It’s going to be great fun and may the best man win.”

Collett Finds The Right Lane On UK Import

The ever composed Jason Collett didn’t resort to panic when highly fancied import Chorlton Lane found himself second last on the fence at his Australian debut in the opening race at Rosehill.

Chorlton Lane wins at Rosehill (Pic: Steve Hart)

And the former UK galloper, now with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, stamped himself as a horse of the future as he clocked stunning sectionals to win the Kia Ora Farnan Handicap (1300m).

Punter’s Intelligence showed the four-year-old clocked 32.98 for his last 600m and a slick 11.05 for the final 200m as Collett weaved his way through the pack to run down Plundering close to line.

“It was a lovely ride, whether it was too patient but he got the job done,’’ said Johann Gerard-Dubord, stable rep for the Maher/Eustace yard.

“He’s a lovely horse to do anything with. He’s very laid back which isn’t always the case with these European horses.

“We only work them on the bridle so we don’t know how good he could be. He’s very progressive, there’s more to come, and he has the right attitude which will take him a long way.”

All the results and replays from Saturday's Randwick meeting