Publicans Cup win first of many for Magical Hope

By Isaac Murphy

The Kedron-Wavell patrons were on top of the world last night when Magical Hope stuck her head out to win a thrilling Publicans Cup for Cyndie Elson.

The win gifted the Albion Park sponsors with a year-long package and plenty of celebrations, and Elson believes the two-year-old is going to be the cause of plenty more fun in the months to come.

The progeny of Fernando Bale and Cyndie Elson’s champion bitch Cyndie’s Magic, Magical Hope was bred for success and delivered her 11^th win from 22 starts.

“I knew she’d run well last night; her heat probably exceeded my expectations a little running time (29.88) from the outside box but she was always going to be tough be beat drawn the two,” Elson said.

“From a talent standpoint I thought she should be winning a Fifth-Grade final, but being a young bitch coming back from her first season there’s always a few concerns, but she looks like she’s back in form again.

“She was clearly headed by Kerry Hoggan’s bitch (Where’s the Lady) in the run to the line but she’s a determined little thing and wasn’t going to get beaten a nose.”

Magical Hope shares an even mix of her mother’s strength and her father’s early pace, giving Elson plenty of options where to place her.

“With her box speed we’re able to bring her back over the 395 metres where she’s won in the 22.5 range on multiple occasions, it was a good starting point when you’re building them up to the 520,” Elson said.

“The Publicans Cup is a nice race to win especially at her age but we hope it’s not the last final she takes out, she has a lot of the same qualities as her mum and if she can be anywhere near as good as her we’ll be smiling.

“I think in time she’s going to at least get over the 600 metres, she’s still got races to win over the sprint first but I think that’ll be her go down the track.”

At just over two-years-old, there are some nice races on the horizon for the bitch who should be peaking when it matters.

“We’ve looked at a couple of races for her; the first being the Rising Stars which I think is in late October and I’ll have to check but I think she just sneaks into the Group 2 Futurity in December,” Elson said.

“Those races come along at the perfect time for her; a couple more months to sharpen up and we’re hoping she can be competitive.

“She’s going to have to be because she’s used up all her Fifth Grades now, so she’ll have to get used to racing the better dogs.

“I was told she made a lot of patrons and one of the sponsor clubs (Kedron-Wavell) very happy winning for them last night.

“The more people she can bring a little bit of joy to the better.”