The A$3 million The Big Dance (1600m) on Melbourne Cup Day is firmly on Rolling Magic’s radar after a dominant first-up victory in the A$120,000 Midway Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
In his first raceday appearance since February, the New Zealand-bred son of Per Incanto produced a performance that took even his connections by surprise. He powered clear down the straight in the hands of apprentice jockey William Stanley and won by two and a half lengths at double-figure odds.
“You know they say horses can make a fool of you – this is one that can really make a fool of you,” co-trainer Will Freedman said.
“Every time he comes to the races, I tell the owners that he's not quite ready, going to need the run or won't like the ground. And he just turns it all upside down. It's a very welcome surprise.”
Rolling Magic’s spring itinerary is likely to be framed around a shot at The Big Dance at Randwick on November 3.
“That's where we’re heading with him,” Freedman said. “To be fair, he's returned in better order than his trials might have shown.
“He's actually been a fairly consistent horse without winning for the back half of his last preparation. He deserved another win and it's a great result for the connections. He's come back in super order.”
Rolling Magic has now had 21 starts for six wins, seven placings and A$357,600 in prize-money.
Rolling Magic was bred by John Anderson and is out of the unraced Iffraaj mare Not A Jaffa, who is a half-sister to the Hong Kong Horse of the Year and triple Group One winner Werther, the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) winner Toffee Tongue, Group Three winner Gobstopper and Group One placegetter Milseain.
Offered by Sledmere Stud at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Rolling Magic was bought by Will Freedman for A$100,000. – NZ Racing Desk.
