Magic Win in the Slipper

Spearheading the first New Zealand Bloodstock graduate trifecta at Matamata on Saturday was the John Sargent trained Magic Shaft who claimed the $45,000 Listed Slipper (1200m).

Despite drawing the outside barrier, Magic Shaft (Shaft x Adaptable Lass) jumped well in the hands of jockey Michael Coleman and was at the front of the field by the 1000 metre mark, he maintained the lead on the home turn and surged clear in the straight to win by three-quarters-of-a-length.

Galloping home for second was Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer x Ballycairn) who ran a brave race from near the back of the field to hold off Croatia (Tale of the Cat x Biosphere) by a neck.

Purchased from Te Mania Thoroughbreds for $60,000 at the Karaka 2011 Select Sale by Sargent for his clients Barry Bolton and Tong Li, Magic Shaft has produced good results in quick succession. His first start saw him place third in the Group 3 ARC Eclipse Stakes (1200m) followed by two seconds and now a black type win in the Slipper.

The handsome two-year-old gelding will not be gunning for the Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie according to Sargent,

"He was a magnificent looking yearling, a big and strong horse, I actually never thought that he would make a two-year-old. It was a big run today and I am not going to push him. I'll bypass the Group 1 Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie and go to Manawatu for the Group 1 Sire's Produce. The Ellerslie race is in two weeks and I think it will come up a bit quick."

Entry forms are now available for New Zealand Bloodstock's 2012 National Weanling, Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock Sale on 7 - 9 May at Karaka. To order your Entry Form please email reception@nzb.co.nz or contact NZB on +64 9 298 0055.