Trainer Phil Cole can feel optimistic in regards to future Darwin Cup Carnival success.
This year’s event kicked off on Saturday at Fannie Bay, and Cole had two wins with sprinters Star Magnum, bound for the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3, and Exceedingly Magic, with star apprentice Emma Lines as the pilot.
Although three-year-olds Rhesus (third) and Bryce (fifth) finished behind He’s Maverick in the $75,000 Darwin Guineas (1600m) they were far from disgraced and have big hopes in the $135,000 NT Derby (2050m) on July 20.
Star Magnum exploded from the outside gate (eight) and was in front in an open 1100m handicap within 200m before going on to win by 3.8 lengths.
The six-year-old gelding, who found another gear when challenged mid-race, boasts four wins and eight minor placings from 14 starts for Cole.
It was an outstanding Palmerston trial for the son of Magnus, it’s his first win since October after finishing ninth behind Early Crow in last year’s race.
“He’s been going super this preparation, he showed everyone his true colours on Saturday,” Cole said.
“He’s definitely going well, he’ll run in an open 1100m in a couple of weeks and then go to the Palmerston.
“If he draws a bad gate, he’ll probably go to the Lightning (1000m) on Cup Day.
“Last year, he drew barrier 10 (out of 12) in the Palmerston and I hadn’t nominated him for the Lightning.
“It was all over when he got caught off the track the whole race.
“Star Magnum has always showed potential, he’s always been in the mix at an open level since he’s been here.
“Sometimes the barrier draws haven’t been great when there’s an abundance of speed.
“It’s his second season here, he’s definitely adapted a lot more to the Darwin style of racing.”
At one stage in the Guineas, a race Cole won last year with Tubthumper, Rhesus (Lines), the $3 favourite with online bookmakers, was eighth, while Bryce (Noel Callow) was last before the stablemates clicked into gear.
“I thought Rhesus ran well, just travelled probably too well from the 600m to the 400m waiting to get a run,” Cole said.
“I he could have improved and pinched a few lengths there I think he wins the race.
“However, I thought he still hit the line well and I just think he’ll race a little bit closer to the front over the 2050m in a couple of weeks.
“Very happy with Bryce, he hit the line solidly.
“It was a very slow run Guineas and Bryce copped a lot of interference getting to the first corner.
“He was actually in front of Rhesus early – he was going to settle fourth of fifth – and then got shuffled back to near last.
“He’s pulled up well and I reckon he’s definitely looking for the 2050m probably more than Rhesus.”
Saccharo, a likely starter in the $60,000 Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) this weekend, remains Cole’s big hope in the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5.
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