3 minute read
Promising miler Magic Wand will make his racing comeback under a new trainer this Sunday.
Previously prepared by Bruce Marsh (at his debut win only), Ricardo Le Grange and Lee Freedman, the Star Witness four-year-old now comes under the care of local trainer Tan Kah Soon.
Owner Jeffrey Soh nowadays has his team of horses with the young Malaysian handler, who has thus far saddled two winners for the principal owner of Titanium Racing Stable – Fire Away (two wins).
Tan is aware Magic Wand has the potential to pad up the score for his new patron, but is at the same time well aware of his past issues.
That is why the Godolphin-trained horseman has given Magic Wand all the time he needed to overcome his niggling leg problems. Magic Wand, whose last race was a win for Freedman in a Kranji Stakes C race over 1400m on November 9, will race in the Class 1 race over 1200m on Sunday.
He's carrying only 50kgs (minimum weight) in a small field of seven hogged by the presence of four Shane Baertschiger gallopers, including Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) winner Aramco.
Topweight (60kgs) is old stager War Affair (117 points) while Aramco, who is next on 113 points, shoulders 58kgs.
With Magic Wand more than 30 pounds inferior than those two on the ratings scale, Tan remained realistic about his chances first-up from such a long eight-month layoff.
"He took a while to get back to race-fitness because of his history of soundness issues," said Tan who has booked his former apprentice jockey-just-turned senior jockey Wong Chin Chuen for the ride.
"We've had to focus longer to bring him back. He seems to have come along well.
"Hopefully, he goes well this Sunday. We'll have a better idea then."
Tan said he had not really established a training programme for the four-time winner, preferring to see how he fares first-up, and pulls up before taking it to the next level.
"I haven't made any long-term plans for him, just take it one race at a time," said the Penangite trainer.
"He's a nice horse, but we must manage him properly. I hope we can bring him back to his best."
Wong has often worn the red and black silks of Titanium Racing Stable, but will be at his first pairing with Magic Wand.
"I know he had some issues and is coming back from a long break, but I'll leave that part to the boss," said the former two-time Singapore champion apprentice jockey.
"My job is to ride him and I hope he can run a good race this Sunday. He felt okay in trackwork, he's a good worker and everything seems to be fine with him."
