Magnetic Terror wins thrilling Devonport Cup

Classy pacer Magnetic Terror (Terror to Love) overcome his 20 metre back mark to edge out Star Major in the action packed $40,000 Hardings Group Devonport Cup the main harness racing feature last night at Launceston.

The race was marred with an incident shortly after the start when Jimmy the Irishman shifted out caused interference. Some of the capacity field could not avoid the fracas and as a result other runners Miss Papenhuyzen, and the well fancied pair Mickey Oh and The Shallows were all pulled up.

Magnetic Terror who does not step cleanly from the stand broke after the start but did not lose too much ground. Driver Jordan Chibnall guided the seven year old gelding to be three back on the rails.

Favourite Star Major on the basis of his recent New South Wales form who was alongside Magnetic Terror off the 20 metre mark was inconvenienced but driver Todd Rattray was able to move alongside the leader Stepping Stones. Just Tiger was positioned behind the leader with Blitzern in the one out and one back trail. Victorian Hot Deal after galloping out was one out and three back at the bell.

Star Major continued to apply the pressure and when he went to the lead on straightening looked likely to score. But Magnetic Terror with a withering burst in the home straight out wide snatched victory by a head from Star Major with Just Tiger coming in third.

Chibnall was not that hopeful as the horses crossed the line.

“I actually thought that I got beat and didn’t know as we were quite apart. He’s a terrible stand horse but once he settled down he put himself to sleep on the fence”.

“His confidence is really high at the moment. But he’s much better from the mobile. He works himself up a bit”.

Given that his manners are not that good from the stand, it remains to be seen whether Magnetic Terror will contest the two big forthcoming features namely the Tasmanian Cup in March and the Easter Cup at Launceston as both events are standing starts.

Magnetic Terror is raced by prominent owner Mick Boots and he and Conor Crook struck a double later in the evening when the promising National News (Sportswriter) scored an easy win in the Vizpix Broadcast Services stakes when driven by junior reinsman Jack Watson.

Chibnall’s partner Conor Crook also trains Glenledi Elvis for Boots and he was successful in the Golden Apple last December.

Star Major was probably a bit unlucky as he was made to do all of the work but he still looks on track for the forthcoming Tasmanian Cup and Easter Cup where he finished runner up in both races last year and will look to go one better this time.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink