Unexpected success for Magical Stance

Magical Stance has made a fairytale return to racing, stunning his owners, trainer and jockey by claiming the last race at Randwick.

Resuming after a 35-week spell influenced by a pastern injury, the six-year-old gelding claimed the benchmark handicap (1400m) by 1-1/2 lengths on Saturday to continue a successful week for Ron Quinton and apprentice Andrew Adkins.

“That was unexpected. Being off the scene with an injury, first time back and his trial the other day was pretty ordinary. We’re all very surprised,” Quinton said.

“A couple of preparations ago he looked like a little Cups horse then he did have an injury. We’ve given him the time and he’s come back well.”

Magical Stance’s previous win was in a benchmark at Canterbury in December 2014, another reason this race was approached with low expectations.

However, Adkins drew Magical Stance ($15) wide on the straight and he caught Imperator Augustus ($10) at the 100m.

Level Eight ($7) was a half-length back in third.

Adkins, who leads the NSW premiership race for apprentices, had added cause for celebration, with his 50th city win dropping his claim from 2kg to 1.5kg.

Quinton, Adkins and part-owner Brett Gall also had success at Canterbury midweek when The Gavel claimed a benchmark, though Magical Stance topped that win.

“It’s been a real good week for us,” Gall said.

“He didn’t trial that well but when this horse sees daylight he can rattle home.”

Adkins thought Magical Stance would not be underrated for the remainder of a preparation that could include an 1800m race at Randwick in three weeks.

“He travelled really well throughout. He let down like a really nice horse. The penny’s probably dropped with him a little bit.”