With thundering cheers from the crowd trainer-driver Matt Craven allowed himself a victory salute, an outpouring of satisfaction as his talented three-year-old trotter took him to Group 1 glory.
Owners Tony Prochilo, Mara Scarpino and Angelo Cammaroto celebrated “a wonderful moment” after their Tennotrump gelding found the lead and controlled the Alan Mance Holden Need For Speed Prince Final.
“It was a pleasing result,” Craven said. “He’s had a terrific week leading into tonight. The best part about him tonight was he probably just trotted a little bit better than he did in the heat.
“He got a beautiful run in front and when that happened he was always going to be hard to run down.”
From gate two Magicool cruised to the front and Craven limited him to comfortable first (30.6) and second (33.1) quarters to ensure he wouldn’t be mowed down in the straight, with a 27.7 final quarter giving him the win from Posseidon with Kheiron third.
It was a fourth victory in six trips to the track for Magicool, with his other two runs producing second placings, and it’s clear he’s quickly becoming a trainer’s favourite.
“The best part about this little fella, he wants to be here and he wants to race and he really tries hard. It’s a credit to the horse,” Craven said.
“The (owners) have been very patient with him. It’s terrific to have such good owners involved, it makes training horses a hell of a lot easier for you when you have understanding owners who back you 100 per cent in your judgment when you need to put the horse out and give them a bit more time.”
It’s also a credit to the stable’s determination to dip its toe into the trotting ranks and come up trumps on the night that celebrates the international gait.
“We’ve got a good team of trotters at the moment and we’ve really enjoyed them,” Craven said.
“I’ve got to thank Chris Lang and Duncan McPherson, who is a big part of tonight, for encouraging me to go down that path.
“And Chris (Svanosio) for the knowledge that he brought. I have to thank all my staff and the team around me and everyone at home. Nights like this is what it is all about.”
Media enquiries:
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)
t: 03 8378 0286 | e: mhoward@hrv.org.au | tw: @MichaelRHoward