Photo: Bradley Photos.
It might have only been a Goulburn barrier trial, but the Scott Collings-trained Mogo Magic was back in the limelight again on Monday.
Nick Heywood rode the unbeaten three-year-old son of Duporth out of Zoumagic over the 800-metre journey, and he bounced out from the gates before registering a dominant 5.5 lengths win over impressive sprinter Smuggler’s Bay (Kayla Nisbet) from the John Nisbet yard.
Mogo Magic was the subject of some very good offers last preparation, and for a good reason, after he started three times for three wins.
He won by a combined ten lengths at his first two starts back in November, firstly dominating his rivals by nearly seven lengths in a 1000m maiden at the Sapphire Coast before his second win at Wagga in a 1065m Class One Handicap for colts and geldings.
After a freshen-up, he resumed in the $120,000 Class Two Highway Handicap (1000m) at Royal Randwick on February 25, starting a $2 favourite, and putting 2.2 lengths on the field.
Mogo Magic has simply been dominant, and even in four trials, he’s never been headed, making him one of the most exciting gallopers in country NSW.
Collings, who confirmed Mogo Magic was being set for the $2 million Kosciuszko – to be run and won at Royal Randwick on October 14 – was trying to keep a lid on the excitement, but he did confirm his galloper’s next target.
“We’ll see how he gets through the trial, but he’ll resume on July 1 at Rosehill in a Highway,” Collings said.
“Down the track, that is always the plan, to try and get him into that race if we can, but we’ll just continue and take him through his grades as we go.”
The Highway Handicap Collings referred to is an 1100m Class Three sprint, and it will be his biggest test to date, ahead of what we all hope is a glittering career on the track.
Collings stable in good form
While Scott Collings is undoubtedly excited about the future of Mogo Magic, the Goulburn trainer is enjoying an excellent run with his team.
Londan Gal won a 1300m Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap at Goulburn back on March 17.
In April, the stable enjoyed wins at Canberra, with Deep Shimmer taking out the 1000m Maiden Handicap on April 7 before Hello Jack won the 1200m Class One Handicap on April 21.
More wins followed in May, with Master Joe taking out the 900m Class One Handicap at Goulburn on May 9 before Hello Jack won again in the 1200m Class Two Handicap at Parkes on May 14.
On Monday, the impressive Master Joe got up to win the 1000m Benchmark 66 Handicap at Goulburn.
