Vega Magic captures Dabernig’s attention

Co-trainer Tom Dabernig is looking forward to Vega Magic running in the Manikato Stakes.

As a member of the Lindsay Park training operation, Tom Dabernig is usually reserved when it comes to discussing stable stars.

So when Dabernig, who trains in partnership with David and Ben Hayes, says Vega Magic is the best horse he’s been associated with at Lindsay Park, it pays to listen.

Vega Magic has had four starts since coming from Perth to join Lindsay Park, winning three times before a last-start second to Redzel in The Everest at Randwick on October 14.

The five-year-old runs on Friday night in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley looking to capture a third Group One win for the team and the second in a week after Boom Time’s Caulfield Cup.

Dabernig, who started his involvement with Lindsay Park as a 16-year-old, described Vega Magic as a machine.

He remembers being around horses of the ilk of Jeune, St Covet and Blevic in his formative years before taking out a trainers’ licence 13 years ago.

“I was very much in the background in those days, learning, riding trackwork and that side of it, but as an actual trainer this horse is the best I’ve worked with,” Dabernig said.

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“I hate comparing different eras but as far as sprinters go, and I don’t know what his distance is yet, but as a sprinter I think he can be in for a great 12 months.

“He’s got to continue to do it but he’s got the makings of a multiple Group One winner.”

Vega Magic has been nominated for the Darley Classic at Flemington on November 4 as well as the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot in Perth, where he is owned, on December 2.

Dabernig would like to see how the gelding comes through Friday night’s race before any decisions are made.

“Let’s get over the Manikato, maybe go to the Darley but the autumn can’t come quickly enough for him,” he said.

Vega Magic returned to Lindsay Park’s Euroa property following The Everest to prepare for the Manikato.

“He’s come back and licked the bin clean, the classic signs that he’s in great order,” Dabernig said.

“Provided he rolls around the Valley I think he’ll be very hard to beat.”