Despite winning the second heat of the Tasmania Cup in track record time on Sunday in Hobart, Longford trainer-driver Todd Rattray is yet to commit on who he will drive in next Saturday night’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Tasmania Cup (2579m) after Magician ($19) raced his way through to the final with a dominant heat win.
From the maximum back mark of 20m, Magician got through the field well to settle one-out and three-back in the early stages of the race.
Rattray made his move three-wide near the 800m before slotting in to be behind the leader near the 500m, and then again eased into the clear at the top of the home straight, where he reeled in the race leader Jorge Street ($17), and defeated him by 3.7m, with Heza Punk Rocker ($1.75 fav) a further 17.9m away third.
The mile rate off the 20m handicap was 1:57.7s, which took 0.1s off Ryley Major’s track record that he set in a heat of the 2022 Tasmania Cup, with Rattray delighted with his pacers record-breaking run.
“I was really happy with him. He got away well and was able to get a nice run,” said Rattray post-race.
“He needed something to go with him up the straight, he was waiting for him a bit.
Magician failed to qualify in the first heat of the series on 7 March, finishing eighth. That effort was the pacer’s first start since ending his Inter Dominion campaign on 7 December.
He was due to contest a race in Launceston on 23 February but was withdrawn on race morning.
“He had a cough, and we didn’t want to risk it, so we had to scratch him, and he missed a few days of work, but as I said (to tasracing.com.au) before that (scheduled) race, he would always need a run or two to be near his best, so hopefully he is right for the final.
“In the first heat, he copped a bit of a check down the back the last time, and he dropped the bit on me, but he did need the run.
“Although he went away well tonight, I don’t think the stands are his go, in particular with his manners.”
The Todd Rattray stable also has Star Major in Saturday night’s final after running second to Mydadsaid on 23 February, with Gareth Rattray taking the drive on that occasion.
“Gareth was a bit disappointed with him, but he did drop his whip. He has been well at home since.
Despite the driving arrangement on that occasion, with Todd driving Magician in that heat, it’s not a lock that the drivers will be booked that way for the final.
“We will see later in the week,” said Todd when asked.
