Rock Magic wins 2015 Toll Colonel Reeves Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Ascot (WA) 3yo+, 1100m.
Rock Magic was ridden quietly and settled well in last place in the eight-horse field, following a solid tempo. He switched deep rounding the home turn, sprinted quickly to challenge coming to the 200m and finished a bit too well for a narrow but good win.
Top weight (58.5kg) Watermans Bay was also ridden patiently, remaining in sixth place, one off the rails. He improved (three wide) coming to the home turn, challenged strongly at the 200m, took a brief lead at the 50m only to be headed nearing the post for a very good second.
Liberty's Gem had a good trip, fourth one out and one back before challenging half-way down the straight. He then fought well for a close-up third.
Favourite Sheidel went to the front but she was then pressured in the lead (by Smoko). She got a bit of bit of a break on straightening and only tired after her early efforts in the closing stages for a sound (1.5 length) fourth.
