KEY POINTS:
Until two weeks ago Taalisman and Magnetism had been on parallel paths.
Taalisman corrected that when he won his first race in 14 months at Ellerslie on Boxing Day with an effort that suggested more should be in store.
In the $25,000 Radio Network Handicap at Ellerslie tomorrow he faces Magnetism, who is trying to win his first race in 21 months.
Two years ago Magnetism looked on the way to being one of the country's top gallopers.
In consecutive starts he won the Guineas at Ellerslie, the Listed Carbine Club Stakes in Sydney, then finished second, beating Eremein into third, in the group three Frank Packer Plate.
Since then he has recorded two seconds and three thirds.
He has a reputation as a possible gay deceiver, but his connections believe at least part of the problem has been that the horse has rarely been pain-free in the past 18 months, something which apparently has been remedied.
This race will show how dedicated Magnetism is to once again finding his old form.
Trainer Ralph Manning was not surprised Magnetism failed when resuming at Hastings on January 1.
"He always flops first-up. He's improved with that and there is further improvement from this one."
Manning has set Magnetism for the group one Thorndon Mile in two weeks.
In his favour is that he does not at all mind some give in the track, so the forecast rain will be no issue with the horse or his connections.
Trainer Tony Gillies is equally relaxed about the prospect of rain for Taalisman, who has won in slow conditions and has twice been placed on a heavy track.
"At worst it'll only be a summer-wet track, it won't be a problem for him."
High Octane is a talented horse progressing through the grades and gets his chance to step up to open company.
He shows plenty of fight and dropping from 58kg to 53kg will be a big help.
La Force and Tachus are similarly improvers who are dropping in weight.
