Derby Tracker – Magicool (M. Kavanagh)
by Dean Elliott.
Another one of these progressive Fastnet Rock 3 year-olds from the Kavanagh stable, Magicool has stamped himself as a Derby prospect with a real sense of timing.
MAGICOOL
(Fastnet Rock – Perfect Truth by Galileo)
Magicool Credentials
Like many of the Kavanagh spring 3YO hopefuls of the past, Magicool had a short winter campaign before being put away for his Derby campaign.
I must concede this method of not having at least 14 weeks between 2YO and 3YO seasons isn’t consistent with VRC Derby past winners (as per foundation section) however Mark Kavanagh has shown in the past to have a long-term view of his classic horses and prepares them in a slightly different way to most.
This horse appears to possess all the right traits to make a quality stayer in his 3 year-old season.
A good set of lungs, a nice action, relaxed temperament and a preparation that seems to be centred around one grand final race being the Derby. This final point is so critical, as discussed in previous posts.
In a year when the Derby looks a very even race, having a horse specifically set for the race will be an enormous benefit, and in my opinion, the difference between winning and losing.
Magicool will take the same program that Polanski did last year; from a win in the UCI Stakes to the Caulfield Classic, on to the Derby. This gives the ideal 2 weeks between runs as well as a look at Flemington in the lead-up.
He might not be a better horse than Super Cool (2nd in Derby behind Fiveandahlafstar) but I don’t think you have to be this year to take out the Group 1 feature.
Magicool Performance
Magicool has gone from strength to strength in 3 runs this time in.
After getting his maiden win out of the way first up over 1200m, Magicool was narrowly defeated 2nd up over 1435m with a big weight (59.5kg).
What impressed me greatly was an ability to then 8 days later step up to 1800m at his first run in town and win the UCI Stakes over 1800m in decisive fashion.
The first three in this race put a 5 length + gap to the rest of the field which included some smart staying prospects. Another positive sign.
In the UCI Stakes Magicool did show a couple of signs of inexperience that can only add merit to his win. He overaced early when taking a forward position, and then had a big star-gaze when hitting the front early in the straight.
With the benefit of a run at Flemington, coupled with a great trainer and jockey to educate him, I can see a huge amount of improvement here.
Magicool Pedigree
Magicool is bred on a cross that is hard not to like. By Fastnet Rock out of a Galileo mare.
Mark Kavanagh has publically expressed his liking of this cross, as it has the ability to produce a stayer with a turn of foot.
His dam Perfect Truth won at stakes level over 2300m and comes from a rather stout family.
Sometimes when you breed speed to stamina, you can create an imbalance and get a slow sprinter, however in this case it appears Magicool has a great set of lungs with a good turn of foot. A nice mix for a classic type in Australia.
Magicool Final Word
This Saturday’s Caulfield Classic will provide Magicool with a great opportunity to:
- Prove he is up to this class
- Have his final tune up race before the Derby
If he continues to train on and please Mark Kavanagh, I’m of the opinion that he’ll be very hard to beat come Derby Day.
Magicool is currently second favourite in latest Victoria Derby markets.
Article written by Dean Elliott (BDM at William Hill and Horse Racing & Breeding enthusiast)
