When A Magic Zariz burst on to the scene in mid-2016 much of the credit went to jockey Daniel Northey.
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Northey rode him in his maiden victory for veteran Coonamble trainer Cecil Hodgson at Gilgandra and then two starts later the pair combined again for a win at Narromine.
After a start to a career like that it’s hard to believe the next time the pair would win together would be in late 2018.
On Thursday at Narromine Jockey Club, Northey piloted A Magic Zariz to a rousing victory in the Agnvet Services Open Handicap (1300m).
Through a combination of A Magic Zariz moving up through the grades, some inconsistent form, and a lengthy injury-enforced absence for Northey, the pair hadn’t combined since March of 2017 before racing at Warren earlier this month.
A Magic Zariz ran sixth that day but showed a real late burst of pace to claim victory at Narromine on Thursday.
The Hodgson-trained six-year-old was last at one point in the sprint event but Northey hit a gap in the field at the top of the straight and then claimed victory in a thrilling finish.
A Magic Zariz ($5.50) powered home along the rails while on the extreme outside the Brett Thompson-trained Know How ($5.50) was also surging.
Caller Col Hodges couldn’t call it as they passed the post but the photo revealed Hodgson’s hope had hung on by the slimmest of margins.
A Magic Zariz was the worst out of the barriers, sitting last early on after getting out poorly from barrier two while hometown hope Long Lasting ($31), trained by Kylie Kennedy, set the pace up front.
The Clint Lundholm-trained Any Blinkin’ Day ($4) and Zoutenant ($3.50 favourite) applied pressure while Northey worked A Magic Zariz to the middle of the pack.
A Magic Zariz didn’t have a clear run through as the field hit the bend for home but the hole soon appeared and Northey powered through it and was right in the race at the 200m mark.
Brett Thompson’s impressive newcomer Know How, ridden by apprentice Brandon Griffiths, went stride for stride with A Magic Zariz but Hodgon’s hope managed to hang on.
Zoutenant was third, a further length back.
The accomplished A Magic Zariz, a former Country Championships heat runner, now has 10 wins from 28 starts for Hodgson.
Despite the narrow defeat, Know How will remain one of the leading contenders in the looming Mudgee Cup, to be run on December 7.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
