The Everest could be the next race start for Vega Magic after he led from start to finish to record a dominant win in the 2017 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon.
A strong headwind had ensured that no leader had won any of the earlier races at Caulfield on Memsie Stakes Day, but that did not stop Craig Williams taking up the running in the early stages of the race.
Black Heart Bart loomed at the top of the straight, but Vega Magic was always in control and he was strong on the line to claim his second Group 1 win in three race starts for the Lindsay Park team.
Williams said after the race that it was the wish of the Lindsay Park team for him to press forward on Vega Magic in the Memsie Stakes and he was delighted that their faith in the horse had paid off.
“I was lucky to be on this horse,” Williams said.
“He was big, powerful and tough.
“No horse has led into that wind and won, but David and connections said to trust the horse and they didn’t want to change his pattern.
“He is bold and tough and when I asked him to quicken at the top of the straight he was really good.
“It was a courageous effort by him.”
Lindsay Park has made an excellent start to the 2017 Spring Racing Carnival and it was only fitting that they were able to take out the opening Group 1 event of the season.
David Hayes said that he has plenty of options with Vega Magic and the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) would probably be ideal, but he admits that the $10 million The Everest may be tough to turn down.
“I was very worried with the way that the wind was going today and no horse had led and won, but he dominated that race,” Hayes said.
“He finished off in 10.8 and it would have taken a really good horse to get to him.
“We will have a chat with the owners whether we climb Everest or go the weight-for-age route.
“Whatever he runs in he will be very competitive.”
Black Heart Bart found the line nicely once again to finish a gallant second and Tosen Stardom produced an improved effort to round out the placings in third.
