Rocket's Magic Ready To Fire Again

Rocket’s Magic looks to continue his devastating run of form in the feature race at tonight’s Townsville meeting.

The Robert Thomson-trained speedster jumps from box six in the Townsville Grand Prix (498m, race eight) aiming for an incredible ninth consecutive victory.

Rocket’s Magic has enjoyed a superb 2016, winning 12 of his 15 starts and breaking the 380m track record twice in quick succession.

The son of Magic Sprite and Zip Zip Marina ran the second fastest time over the 498m at Townsville (28.59) in last week’s heats, only a length off Velocity Regina’s 2011 track best of 29.51.

Rocket’s Magic superb recent run has taken his overall career record to 21 wins and five minor placings from 33 starts, including one placing from two previous starts wearing the green rug.

Kennelmate Spudnut (box five), winner of the other heat, and recent Young Guns winner Asa El Chappo in box four seEm the biggest threat to Rocket’s Magic.

Spudnut ran an impressive 28.79 while winning last week’s heat from box three, while consistent Asa El Chappo has won three times and placed nine times in his last 12 starts.

Asa El Chappo’s trainer Michael Hickmont has two other chances in the final, with Asa ExtrEme (box one) arguably the best roughie chance of causing an upset.

The former NSW contender finished three lengths behind Rocket’s Magic in last week’s heat but has won three times and placed twice in six previous starts from box one.

In other Townsville Tuesday action, Neville Rose (box one) looks the night’s best bet in race three over the 380m.

He returned from a six-week break last week to score a sound placing at Townsville and should have too much for the rest from the inside draw.

Shiney Things and Raise ‘Em Up can both take advantage of the red rug in races five and seven respectively.

The former has mixed form recently but has won five of her eight starts so far, while Raise ‘Em Up is a rare winner but ran a smart 29.04 to place on his last visit to Townsville two starts back.
 
Tonight's Grand Prix at the Townsville Showgrounds is the first of event of the winter carnival between CAIRNS and Townsville, with the pinnacle and final event the Group 3 Townsville Cup in late August.

For Townsville Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.