Local sprinter Rock Magic is solid in the betting in the lead up to the Group 1 $1m Crown Perth-Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday.
Malaguerra, above, is the favourite for the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot. Photo by Steve Hart.
The Chris Gangemi trained Rock Magic is on the fourth line of betting at $9 with Ladbrokes.com.au behind $3.30 favourite Malaguerra, Terravista at $3.50 and State Solicitor and Takedown who are both marked at $8.
The Redoute’s Choice seven year hasn’t been out of the prizemoney at his last seven starts with two wins and five placings and Gangemi expects him to be very competitive again.
“The relatively small field will be ideal for his style,” Gangemi told the West Australian.
“He’ll be dropped back and ridden patiently. We expect he’ll again finish strongly.”
Local jockey Jarrad Noske has been aboard Rock Magic all but once since July 2014 which includes seven wins and the pair will be chasing a Group 1 win together in the weight for age Winterbottom Stakes.
Rock Magic was a winner two starts back in the Group 3 $150,000 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1000m) at Ascot on October 29 before running second to Winterbottom Stakes rival Vega Magic in the Group 3 $150,000 Colonel Reeves Stakes (11000m) at Ascot on November 12.
The Sean Casey trained Vega Magic is marked at $10 for the Winterbottom Stakes and the lightly raced four year old will be ridden again by his regular rider apprentice Jake Casey.
Vega Magic is stepping up in class after winning the Colonel Reeves Stakes but is a three times winner over the same course and distance as the Winterbottom Stakes.
Market order for the Winterbottom Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.30 Malaguerra, $3.50 Terravista, $8 State Solicitor, Takedown, $9 Rock Magic, $10 Vega Magic, $11 Sheidel, $17 Keen Array, $21 First Among Equals, $51 Battle Hero, Military Reign, $101 Regal Commander.
The barrier draw for the Winterbottom Stakes will be drawn at a private function to be held at the Crown Perth Entertainment Complex today at 4pm.
