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Collings expecting Magic despite stern test

3 minute read

Mogo Magic can underline his claims for a Kosciuszko slot with another win.

MOGO MAGIC. Picture: Steve Hart

Kosciuszko hopeful Mogo Magic will face an important test at Randwick when he ventures out of Highway Handicap company and into benchmark grade. 

While conceding Saturday's Godolphin Lifetime Care Handicap (1100m) will be the three-year-old's biggest challenge to date, trainer Scott Collings is also confident the horse is up to the task. 

Collings has taken heart from Mogo's Magic most recent win at Rosehill where he absorbed early pressure and was still able to extend his advantage and travel strongly through the line. 

"At least now we know he can handle that pressure and I think coming out of Highway grade into benchmark grade, the pressure is probably not going to be quite as savage early as it was in the Highway," Collings said. 

"He just keeps on filling us with confidence. Every time we lift that bar for him, he just keeps on lifting and doing it with ease. 

"This is probably his biggest task yet, but we were very lucky to find a benchmark 72 on a Saturday, which suits him down to the ground. 

"I think it's a nice step for him." 

Nick Heywood has ridden Mogo Magic in three of his four starts and will again make the trip to Sydney to stick with him. 

Collings said the gelding had continued to do well since his first-up win on July 1. 

"His work has been super, it hasn't changed at all from his first-up run," he said. 

"If anything, he's a lot brighter going into this weekend because he's getting a bit deeper into his preparation and he knows what's going on." 

Collings and Heywood will also team up with roughie Ten Bells in the final race and Collings says she is capable of running a cheeky race from a low draw in two. 

"She's up to her right distance now. She's got a lovely soft draw and I think she'll run very well at a long price," Collings said.