Magicool jets to Brisbane for Queensland Derby

Three-year-old Magicool flies out of Melbourne tonight destined for Brisbane and a tilt at the Queensland Derby after beating the older horses at Flemington on Saturday.

A son of champion sprinter Fastnet Rock, Magicool was fifth in the VRC Derby in the spring and fourth in the recent South Australian Derby, both run over 2500 metres. On face value it appeared that the horse did not run out a strong 2500 metres but on each occasion Magicool did not enjoy the best of luck and did enough to leave a lingering doubt. That said he should appreciate the shortened Queensland Derby distance of 2200 metres.

His trip to Queensland hinged on his performance at Flemington. Nothing short of a win guaranteed his plane ticket. With in form hoop James Winks engaged Magicool went forward from a wide alley to sit at the hip of leader and odds on favourite Kenjorwood. The order remained unchanged throughout and though Kenjorwood tried to skip clear at the top of the straight Magicool wore him down to claim victory by a neck. Tooleybuc Kid was three quarters of a length away in third.

Magicool now heads to warmer climes with the Queensland Derby to be run on June 6.

Magicool was purchased by trainer Mark Kavanagh at the 2013 Easter Sales. He has won four of his thirteen starts including the Listed UCI Stakes and $278,450 in prizes.

He is raced by Tony Torcasio's Rokk Ebony Syndicate along with partners Maurice and Mason Torcasio, John Voitin, John Bishop's Wind Flyer syndicate, Angelo Cammarotto's Michelangelo syndicate, Pat de Krester's Clarity Syndicate and Anthony Fargas Tao Beach syndicate.