CHRISTCHURCH - Veteran galloper Beech Sky makes his debut for the Kent Fleming stable at Riccarton today but probably most interest will centre on another Winter Cup prospect from the same stable.
Say Magic, one of the south's best performed three-year-olds this season, is forward to resume over 1200m in the $8000 Armourguard Handicap for three-year-olds.
The Magic Ring gelding has the benefit of apprentice Jason Laking's 1.5kg claim to ease the burden of a 59kg topweight.
Say Magic won the Southland Guineas among several highlights in a spring and summer campaign.
He returned in the autumn to finish a bold second in the South Island Three-Year-Old Championship before an easy win over 1600m at Riccarton in April.
It was then Fleming decided to set him for next month's group three $50,000 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton.
"He's fairly forward for this race," Fleming said. "He only had about three weeks out after he last ran because to get him up for the Winter Cup he needed to be back in work.
"He's fairly well seasoned as a result and I would expect a bold run from him."
Say Magic's ability in soft tracks (yesterday's penetrometer at 3.8 was well short of heavy which begins at 4.5) will stand him in good stead.
The speedy Diamond Head and Baywood, who chased Say Magic home at Riccarton in the spring could add interest while Letz Tango has a sound Riccarton record.
Fleming is less confident of what he expects from Beech Sky in the open class $12,000 Yesberg Insurance Services Handicap (1400m).
His last-start failure in appalling conditions at Wingatui at Queen's Birthday can be discounted.
"He's good on his day and this run will probably decide whether he goes for the Winter Cup," Fleming said.
- NZPA
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