Rock Magic (Image: Racing Photos)
Luck is something that has avoided Rock Magic in Victoria according to trainer Chris Gangemi and the Perth horseman is hopeful of a change in fortune in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Rock Magic was beaten less than a length in the Newmarket Handicap last start and under two lengths in the Black Caviar Lightning, but Gangemi feels being drawn on the inside of the track on both occasions wasn't ideal.
"He has raced well over here without luck, he had barrier one in the Lightning and he had to come up the wrong side of the track and only got beaten a length-and-a-half by Redkirk Warrior and Redzel," he said.
"Again in the Newmarket he had to come up the inside and although he had a couple of horses down on that inside, they sat in behind him and he needs something to chase, so hopefully tonight he can sit just in behind, have something to chase and he should be right in the finish."
WATCH: Rock Magic's Newmarket run
Rock Magic has drawn barrier five for the final Group 1 of the Victorian racing season, a gate Gangemi feels provides a tremendous opportunity.
"It looks a nice race for him, he has obviously raced super first-up and second-up in the Lightning and the Newmarket, so with a bit of luck tonight he can land in a nice spot from a good barrier he should be thereabouts, it looks like a race he should be very competitive in," he said.
"He normally jumps well, he has Thronum on his inside, if he can come across with him and get one off the fence and if someone wanted to come across from out wide and he can lob one out one back that would be perfect."
Rock Magic is no stranger to Moonee Valley, having finished fourth in the William Reid Stakes last year before a brave effort in the Moir Stakes last spring, also finishing fourth.
"Myself, my brother and our family, we have some nice horses in Perth but nothing like this bloke, he is the best horse we have ever had and he is a champion for us and hopefully we can get that elusive Group 1 win with him," he said.
Secret Agenda is the favourite in early market for the William Reid at $4 with Rock Magic, Hellbent and She Will Reign all around the $6.50 mark.
WATCH: Rock Magic's Lightning run