The Neil Day trained Magic Operative showed that he was well on track for the $30,000 Divalls Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage Frank & Edna Day Goulburn Cup when he scored a resounding win at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday night.
Starting from barrier 7 in the $22,000 APG Sydney Premium Sale Pace over the mile journey, the race was always going to be keenly contested with the inclusion of Irish Sailor who surged to the lead shortly after the start.
Magic Operative, who was driven by Amy Day, was allowed to settle at the rear of the field which was taken through the first quarter in a very fast 26.5 seconds. With the second and third quarters in 29.2 and 28.7 respectively, Amy bid her time at the rear. Swinging wide on the track turning into the long Menangle straight, Magic Operative was still at the back of the field passing the 200m point however his customary finishing burst soon became evident as he wound up down the centre of the track before overwhelming Irish Sailor in the final section.
The time for the event was an excellent 1:52.9 and the winning margin 4.3m to Irish Sailor and a further .5 metres to Cheers Robbie who finished third. Saturday’s win was the third from his last 4 starts and the 7yo gelding appears back to the form which saw him compete with the best 3 and 4 year olds in the Country. For Neil Day it has been a long and at times painful process to get the former top liner back to winning form. “He’s very good at the moment, the best he’s been for a season and a half” comment Day who is looking forward to Sunday’s Goulburn Cup.
“We’ll potter around the remaining Carnival of Cups races and if he holds his form we may target some of the ‘Country Cups’ in Victoria” added Neil.
Sunday’s big race day may also see the return of Neil’s other star pacer Itaintover. The 6yo group 1 winner is being set for the $12,000 Goulburn Mulwaree City Sprint and finished off his preparation for the race with a trial start at Menangle on Tuesday.
This coming Sunday’s ‘Carnival of Cups’ meeting will have something for all the family including children. Face painters and clowns from Goulburn’s Leider Theatre will be in attendance whilst the first 100 children through the gates will receive a free super showbag. Children can also watch up close the excitement of the Flyball dogs and the mini trotters.
For a wonderful family afternoon come out to the Goulburn Paceway at the Recreation Area on Braidwood Road. Entry is only $10 with a gold coin donation for pensioners.
