Magic Bertie defied an alarming betting drift when he posted his second for this the campaign at Warracknabeal on Saturday.
Punters rallied behind the two favourites Brechen ($2 to $1.75) and Hunitchiwa ($4.20 to $3.40), but it was misplaced faith as Magic Bertie easing from $6.50 to $10 prevailed in the Warrack Butchery (0-58) Hcp (1200m).
His 3/4-length victory over Boss Coni ($18) and Brechen was some consolation for his last start at the track two weeks earlier when he was hopelessly held up from the 500m and finished seventh.
“He hasn’t had the best of luck recently and even three starts ago was caught wide at the rear at never got into the race at Ballarat,” trainer Vincent Malady said.
On the positive side Magic Bertie is settling better in his races with much of the credit going to jockey Brad Rawiller who also won a maiden on the gelding at Ballarat five starts ago on June 19.
“He’s been hard going horse but has learned to settle and is looking much stronger at the finish,” Vincent said.
On Saturday, Magic Bertie began fairly but pushed up on the inside to settle a length behind the leader Dinga and share the lead on the home turn.
Brad always had a good hold on the son of Magic Albert who dashed a length clear early in the home straight after a couple of digs from his rider.
Under the whip he kept running strongly to the line to the delight of his owners John and Helen McPhee who bred and own Magic Bertie.
He’s an emerging galloper and has now earned just shy of $50,000 after two wins and four placings in 13 starts.