Talented import Magic Artist is set to contest the 2015 Kingston Town Classic after he missed out on an invitation to contest the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in December.
Magic Artist will have the chance to record a maiden win at Group 1 level in the 2015 Kingston Town Classic. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Magic Artist was purchased by Australian Bloodstock after he performed well in both Italy and Germany and he made his Australian racing debut with a luckless fourth in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 31 before he hit the line strongly to finish fourth in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 7.
Australian Bloodstock were keen to send Magic Artist to Hong Kong for the 2015 Hong Kong Cup, but Australian Bloodstock supremo revealed this afternoon that the son of Iffraaj had been denied an invitation and would instead make the trip to Perth for the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot on December 5.
“We missed the invite to Hong Kong, so this just fits in,” Lovett told Racing.com.
“We’re not keen to send him to the paddock, he’s only had the two runs for the new owners and he raced well.
“Even though he backed up and raced well, these international horses do appear to respond better with their runs spaced.
“It’s unlikely he’ll run in the Railway, but we’ll let Andreas make the decision.
“I think he’s a dead-set mile-and-a-quarter horse.
“He raced well over a mile, but he just finds it a bit short.
“The 2000 is ideal, but 1800 is the next-best option.”
Australian Bloodstock are yet to decide on their long-term plan for Magic Artist and there is a chance that he could head to Dubai for the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan in March, but he could instead remain in Australia under the care of Kris Lees and contest races like the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) during the 2016 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival as well as the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) during the 2016 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
Magic Artist is currently available at 2015 Railway Stakes of $6 along with Railway Stakes favourite Black Heart Bart and Real Love, while Australasian Oaks winner Delicacy remains a narrow favourite at a quote of $5.
The only other eastern state-based horse set to make the trip to Perth for the Kingston Town Classic is Australian Cup runner-up Extra Zero, who could also contest the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Super Saturday.
