Tyson quietly planning knockout punch in Group 1 debut

By Pat McLeod

Group 1 debutante Tyson Barton is trying to stay out of the spotlight that is beaming on Thursday night’s $150,000 Golden Sands Final (600m) at Albion Park.

“I am not really thinking about it, that it’s a Group 1 race,” Barton said with a slightly nervous chuckle.

“Because if I did, I would probably be getting to the track and having a heart attack.

“I am treating it like a normal race and just not trying to think about the ‘Group 1 thing’ too much.

“I am fine. My dog (Fahey’s Magic) is fine and she is ready to go.”

The Casino (northern NSW) trainer’s highest racing accolade to date has been a second in the 2018 Group 3 Gold Coast Cup with Phantom Razor.

That race was won by Brisbane’s Tom Tzouvelis with Del Rey.

Tzouvelis has three runners in tomorrow night's Golden Sands field following the scratching Wednesday morning of Stephen Rolph’s Bat Sign, which ushered first emergency Scintillate into the field.

This year’s Golden Sands middle distance event has been elevated to Group 1 status and boasts a winner’s cheque of $100,000.

Barton’s Fahey’s Magic (Magic Sprite - Amber Ale) was the fastest of the five heat winners last Wednesday at Albion Park with a 34.93 and has the equal best time (with Tzouvelis’ Sorority) over track and distance with a 34.90.

The young trainer is keeping his expectations under control, but also points out his chaser’s claims in the race.

“I believe if she jumps on the bunny, has a clear run, I think she could run 34.70 no problem,” Barton said.

“Everything will come down to the start, which is so crucial. If she can get her start right, I give her a good chance.

“She always tries her guts out, so she will be there-abouts if she has a clear run and a bit of luck.

“She can lead or come from behind and she is a tough little thing.

“My only concern is that hopefully she will not get knocked around too much because she is only a tiny little thing at about 24kgs.”

Barton said the box draw (6) for Fahey’s Magic was not a concern.

“I am OK with Box 6,” he said.

“Boxes don't seem to really matter with her because she always seems to be a pretty reliable beginner.

“The 600m start at Albion is a plus for her because she jumps straight onto a bend and I think that is what she needs.

“She has good box speed, but then hits a bit of a flat spot about 30 or 40 metres after the boxes.

“So, the bend gives her a good chance because she can jump in front, get around the corner and then find her feet again.

“Then hopefully she will take off.

“The five (Sorority) and the seven (Pursuer) are not usually quick out, but I believe the eight (Nangar Lucy) will be a big threat.

“If she comes out running, my girl might be in a bit of trouble.”