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A late decision to send Magic Dancer to New Plymouth proved a wise move on Saturday when she bolted away with the two-year-old feature.
The Gr.3 Phoenix Park Classic wasn’t originally on her programme, but a lack of early entries resulted in the filly accompanying Halleloojah south.
“She was a late nomination when there only half a dozen in there,” co-trainer Debbie Rogerson said.“I had a look at the form and decided to have a go – she worked super during the week and I was quite confident.”
Magic Dancer raced close to the pace set up by her stablemate Halleloojah, but unlike her travelling partner, she accelerated on the turn and won easing down by two and three quarter lengths.“It was a nice ride and a very good effort, the other horse was quite disappointing though,” Rogerson said.
Magic Dancer was partnered by Darryl Bradley who said he had few worries during the race.“She relaxed in second beautifully. I had to do a bit of work before the corner when another one came around, but she kicked on very well in the straight.”
Our Rokkii rallied gamely for second after making a sweeping move across the top and Girlsarebackintown did well to come from the back for third, as did Enshrine, who was next across the line.The favourite Halleloojah showed good gate speed to lead, but he was a spent force on the turn and dropped out to finish second last.
