Vega Magic the “best sprinter in Australia” – Craig Williams
JOCKEY Craig Williams has made the bold claim that Hayes and Dabernig-trained Vega Magic is the best sprinter in the land prior to the running of the Manikato Stakes on Friday night at Moonee Valley.
Vega Magic, which is looking to bounce back after its second-placed finish behind Redzel in the inaugural running of The Everest.
The Everest was the first time the horse had raced in Sydney across its 18 career starts.
Williams said Vega Magic has recovered well following the October 14 feature and looms as the horse to beat in the Friday night feature.
“He certainly looks in great order,” Williams told HorseBetting.com.au.
Vega Magic is the $2 favourite to win its third group one title after taking out the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield back in September and the Goodwood Stakes at Morphetteville back in May.
Williams said the horse is among the elite of Australian racing.
“I believe he’s the best sprinter in Australia so there’s no use me talking about him to you.”
Craig Williams lulling punters into false sense of security before they're #Willowed on Vega Magic ? #ManikatoStakes
— Courtney (@CourtneyMcLeod8) October 27, 2017
The Manikato Stakes will be Vega Magic’s debut at Moonee Valley, but from barrier three the horse is expected to have no issues finding the front and running away with the race.
A win for the gelding in the the feature would be fourth group title and the 14th win from its 19th start.
Williams believes the horse will cement its legacy as the best short-course specialist on Friday night.
“I need him to stand up tonight and I think we’re going to see the top sprinter in Australia for the next two years if he does what I think he will tonight.
“He’s the best going around, he just has to prove it, and I think he will.”