Australia: Drop in class, recent start should help veteran Magic in Me

A slight drop in class, as well as the benefit of a recent start after a four-month layoff, gives the veteran gelding Magic in Me a better chance for a seventh career win in a six-furlong handicap at Murwillumbah Racecourse in Australia on Thursday evening.

Magic In Me, who has had 45 starts, finished third by three lengths in a six-furlong handicap at Ipswich Racecourse on Nov. 29 in his first start since mid-August. Magic In Me was third early at Ipswich and was unable to threaten the first two finishers while finishing clear of the remaining four runners.

As recently as July, Magic In Me started in stakes, finishing seventh of 16 as a longshot in the Ramornie Stakes at Grafton.

At Murwillumbah, Magic In Me will be ridden for the first time by 27-year-old apprentice jockey Tamara Noble. Noble began riding earlier this year. Through Wednesday, she had 14 wins, including two two-day wins since early November.

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With Noble aboard, Magic in Me’s weight assignment has been reduced from a hefty 140 pounds to 133 pounds. Magic In Me is third in the weights for the race at Murwillumbah behind Halfahope (136.6) and equal to Run Rory Run and Where’s the Fire.

Magic In Me has frequently been ridden by apprentice jockeys this year, including the gelding’s most recent win in a six-furlong handicap at Toowoomba Racecourse in May.

The 4-year-old gelding Neoclassicism, who will carry 131 pounds, and Run Rory Run, are likely to dispute the pace.

Neoclassicism finished fifth in a handicap at 6 1/4 furlongs at Ballina Racecourse on Dec. 4 in his first start since late September. He won a seven-furlong maiden race in August in his 11th start and has been beaten in his last four appearances.

Run Rory Run is winless in seven starts since October 2022. A winner of 3 of 15 starts, Run Rory Run disputed the pace in a handicap at 6 1/4 furlongs at Ballina on Nov. 17 before fading to finish sixth by 4 3/4 lengths.

A slightly shorter race may benefit Run Rory Run. All three of his wins have been at six furlongs.

Murwillumbah has an eight-race program beginning at 8:55 p.m. Eastern or 5:55 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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