No-one could blame trainer Kelly Schweida for feeling nostalgic when Magic Fox runs in the $250,000 Colts and Geldings Rising Stars at the Gold Coast.
The race will mark 10 years since one of Schweida’s biggest wins when Magic Fox’s dam Plain Magic won the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares Quality.
“Plain Magic was very good for me winning seven races including in stakes company,” Schweida said.
“Jim Byrne won four in a row on her including the Millions race. The Millions race wasn’t a million dollars back then but it was still a good race to win.
“Hard to think it was ten years ago but but time does get away.”
Schweida said while Magic Fox was probably not up to top company he deserved to have won more than three races.
“He doesn’t have much luck, often from very bad barriers,” he said.
“Last start was typical because there isn’t much doubt he would have won from a good draw.”
Magic Fox started from gate 13 of 15 in a 1200m-race at Eagle Farm on December 21, flashing home from last on the turn to finished third behind Malahide and Churning.
Schweida said Magic Fox looked to be in the right type of race on Saturday.
“You don’t get to race for $250,000 with a Class Four horse too often. He has a handy barrier (7) and it is a set weights race so he should get his chance,” Schweida said.
Jim Orman, who does much of Schweida’s riding, will be reunited with Magic Fox after apprentice Jackson Murphy rode him last start.
Murphy will ride Cellargirl for Schweida in the $250,000 The Wave which will be run at weight-for-age.
“She has 51 kilos and the 1800 metres should suit her. It will also give us a clearer idea of her future,” Schweida said.