Magic Night Stakes

Premier Caulfield trainer Peter Moody saw more black type success on Saturday at Rosehill when his improving filly Willow Creek secured her first Group win in the $150, 000 Group 2 Magic Night Stakes (1200m).

A daughter of Tale Of The Cat, Willow Creek ($5) was gallant as she came from well back in the field to snare a late lead, holding off the $3.50 favourite More Strawberries by three-quarters of a length with the Peter Snowden-trained Celts ($5) in third a further half-length back.

It was a devastating result for equal $5 second elect Psychologist, who finished a dismal tenth place in the 12 horse event ending any hopes she had of a run in the $3.5million Golden Slipper Stakes.

The Tony Vasil-trained Psychologist had a sensational start from barrier two, leading the way early and holding an emphatic eight length margin ahead of her rivals half way through the race. But she had given too much too early and Psychologist, wearing blinkers for the first time, faded to a distant third last.

Psychologist’s jockey Jim Cassidy was criticised post-race by Vasil who was furious at the experienced hoop’s handling of his filly throughout the race.

Willow Creek has now won two from her five race starts for an impressive $224, 275 in prizemoney to date.

Despite her win on Saturday and the accompanying ballot exemption for the prestigious Golden Slipper next week, Willow Creek is unlikely to start in the world’s richest two-year-olds race.

If connections wanted to run her in next Saturday’s event they would have to pay a hefty $150, 000 late entry fee, which owner David Moodie has already committed to paying for his exciting filly Crystal Lily.

Crystal Lily is currently the second favourite at $5.50 for the Golden Slipper with IASbet.

Willow Creek is more likely to be aimed at the $300, 000 Group 1 AJC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick the following week, on April 10.

The biggest race on the card at Rosehill on Saturday was the prestigious $500, 000 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) where the John O’Shea-trained Zabrasive claimed his maiden Group 1 victory ahead of Bart Cumming’s Rock Classic.

2010 Magic Night Stakes Results: