Racing: Magnetism casts Mudgway Stakes spell

Trainer Ralph Manning can't wait for the $200,000 Mudgway Fair Tax Stakes on Saturday week after Magnetism's barrier trials win at Cambridge yesterday.

The track may have been heavy yesterday and there may have been only three other runners, but Magnetism's form turned every eye.

Manning told rider Jim Collett to ensure Magnetism had a strong hitout and advised to lead, if necessary, to create that scenario.

Collett did and Magnetism stayed ahead and stretched out impressively for his win. "That's exactly what I wanted, a strong effort," said Manning.

Last autumn Magnitude won the Guineas at Ellerslie and the Listed Frank Packer Plate at Randwick, then finished a good second in the Carbine Stakes on the same track.

Manning has always looked forward to the horse's 4-year-old career. "What he's done so far has only been a practice - he's way better than anyone's seen yet."

Magnetism's athletic body has not got heavy from his time away from racing.

"He's the same weight as he was when he won the Guineas," said Manning.

Collett will retain the ride for all three days of the Hastings carnival.

"He's all horse," he said. "He's very forward and he gave me a great feel.

"The Hastings races are all about good barrier draws and good runs, but this bloke is going to win a big race before the end of the year."

Manning is unconcerned about track conditions at Hastings.

"He ran 1.33 [for 1600m] when he won the Guineas and 1.38 when he won in Sydney. Probably his best footing is when there is just a bit of cut in the ground."

Tusker, who will face Magnetism at Hastings, finished last of the four.

Another locally trainer gelding, Durango Kid, looked stylish winning an earlier 1000m open heat for trainer Don Sellwood.

"He's a pretty good horse, this bloke," said Sellwood after Durango Kid won easily in fast time. "I've never rushed this horse and I reckon next year he could be running at the Brisbane winter carnival."

Only three runners accepted for the 2-year-old heat, all trained locally by Kenny Rae, who withdrew the trio yesterday morning.