Perth raider Rock Magic ready to roll in the TJ Smith Stakes
CHRIS Gangemi’s seven-year-old Rock Magic may not be the most-fancied runner in Saturday’s TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick, but the Perth-based trainer believes his gelding has what it takes to cause a boil over.
Rock Magic jumps as a $26 chance at Crownbet.com.au in Saturday’s group one race, and the trainer was not surprised that the bookies did not place his horse towards the top of the market.
“I’m wasn’t expecting him not to be too short,” Gangemi told HorseBetting.com.au.
“I’m hardly a big trainer in Perth.”
Gangemi may not believe the east coast has taken notice of his seven-year-old, but the gelding’s results speak for themselves.
The son of Redoute’s Choice has not missed a placing in Perth since January of 2016, which included runs in the Newmarket, The Winterbottom Stakes as well as back-to-back victories in the Idyllic Prince and the Prince of Wales.
After November’s placing in the Group One Winterbottom Stakes, the decision was made to bring the horse to the east with one eye on the TJ Smith Stakes.
Rock Magic had its first hit out at Moonee Valley on March 24 in the William Reid Stakes, finishing fourth in a strong 12-runner field.
Gangemi said his team was happy with the horse’s performance at the Valley.
“The horse had his first run over here the other day and I thought he ran really, really well actually,” he said.
“We only got over here three days before the race, and hadn’t really settled in, so he’s actually improved since the run.”
“He didn’t have the perfect run, but still motored home late, so we were very happy with the run.”
There were no guarantees that Rock Magic would suit up for the TJ Smith Stakes, but Gangemi said the seven-year-old’s recovery from the weekend could not have gone any smoother.
“We couldn’t be happier, and obviously he pulled up a treat too, otherwise we wouldn’t be backing him up.
“I don’t think it’s impossible that he could be very competitive and he can run in the top five or six.”
Rock Magic jumps from barrier eight in the TJ Smith Stakes, which gives the team plenty of options heading into the $2.5 million race.
Gangemi said he will take a wait-and-see approach on Saturday, but expects the seven-year-old to be flying home late, similar to the William Reid run.
“He’ll probably position up midfield or maybe a touch worse and he will be ridden similar to how he always is.
“Very happy we get to race later in the day so we can see how the track is playing out and whether we’ll need to be in or out from barrier eight but (jockey Jarrad Noske) will have his options.
“We’ll wait until the day and see how heavy the track is to see if he needs to position up midfield or worse, but we won’t change his racing pattern too much.
“Hopefully that will mean he can get home alright and finish up in the first five or six.”