Mackinnon Stakes Distance No Issue for Magic Hurricane

Godolphin trainer John O’Shea has been thrilled with the condition of Magic Hurricane since his impressive performance for success in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m), and does not believe the talented import will find issue in a step back in distance for Saturday’s 2015 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

Magic Hurricane is primed for a big performance in Saturday's 2015 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington. Photo: Steve Hart

Magic Hurricane is primed for a big performance in Saturday’s 2015 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington. Photo: Steve Hart

Magic Hurricane has been a strong and consistent performer in posting five wins and as many minors through only 16 competitive starts so far; beginning his racing career under the guidance of notable British trainer James Fanshawe before arriving in the care of O’Shea at the conclusion of his 2014 campaign.

Having not been seen competitively since his maiden Group 1 triumph on October 3rd, O’Shea was pleased with the Hurricane Run gelding’s performance in a Cranbourne barrier trial last week and is confident he will lay a great account for himself in the 2015 Mackinnon Stakes.

“He’s got a good winning strike rate and rarely runs a bad race for us,” O’Shea said.

“He’s in good order. It’s a challenge to bring him back to 10 furlongs up to weight-for-age but in the Hill Stakes it was evident he’d be competitive in a race like the Mackinnon.

“He looks good in condition and his trial was nice last week.”

Having yet to finish outside the first three through four starts this time, O’Shea revealed the Mackinnon Stakes will likely figure as Magic Hurricane’s final point of call this time with a view towards 2016 Autumn Carnival riches.

“He’s on trial to see if he can run in the Australian Cup and we’re happy with him,” O’Shea added.

Capping his final British preparation a credible fifth amongst notable company in a York Handicap race over 2092m in October last year, Magic Hurricane immediately announced himself to the Australian racing community upon debuting for success in the Randwick City Council BM94 (1400m) on June 6th.

Returning for a brief freshen-up following a run for fourth in the Ranvet BM90 (1600m), Magic Hurricane placed third in talent-rich Canterbury Hurlstone RSL Handicap (1400m) on August 15th; making an ideal transition to black type racing in taking out the Listed Premier’s Cup (1800m) and placing second in the Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) leading into The Metropolitan.

Included amongst an impressive list of 30 nominations on Monday, Magic Hurricane is set to be confirmed in a capacity 2015 Mackinnon Stakes field of 18 by midday, Wednesday.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.