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Promising stayer Magstock rocketed home with a flying finish to take out the $80,000 Kranji Stakes C race over 1600m on Sunday.
Backed down to $11 favouritism, the Tavistock four-year-old was held up at the rear throughout the contest with jockey Michael Rodd taking his sweet time as they rolled along at the head of affairs.
Magstock only started to improve noticeably from the 600m before really going through his gears as he was angled to the outside of the track at the point of turn.
Upfront, Nazir (Gerald Mosse) was taking some beating as he collared race-leader Kirks Ryker (Barend Vorster) and made headway, while Zip A Dee Doo Dah (Glen Boss), contrary to his last-to-first sizzler at his comeback race over 1200m a month ago, seemed a tad more dour as he tried to slice through the field.
But, it all came back to nothing when Magstock arrived onto the scene to stamp his authority once Rodd set him alight. He went on to record a soft win in the end, saluting the judge with half-a-length to spare from Nazir with Kirks Ryker third another length away.
Zip A Dee Doo Dah had to settle for fourth place another neck away. The winning time was 1min 34.5secs for the 1600m on the Long Course.
Trainer Cliff Brown had always held a high opinion of Magstock, but said it was immaturity that was impeding the New Zealand-bred’s progress.
“There was good pace on paper today and that suited him down to the ground,” said the Australian handler.
“Credit to the people who own him. This horse has had his runs well spaced as I thought he was always a bit immature, and their patience has been rewarded.
“He’s a horse who keeps developing and I think he’s a really nice horse. We will just have to keep him fresh.”
Rodd agreed that the genuine pace set by Kirks Ryker with Bring Money Home (Oscar Chavez) ensuring he does not slacken up, have all contributed towards the final outcome.
“The fast tempo helped him. They were rocking along and I was happy with where he was,” said the Australian jockey who was at a second win in combination with Brown after Hot Gold in the opener.
“The wide barrier was not too bad for him as he is a long horse with a long-striding action, and I knew the leaders would come back to me. He had the fresh legs and he won like the good horse he is.”
Magstock was registering his fourth win from 15 starts for stakes earnings that are now just a tick below the $200,000 mark.