He was the easiest winner to pick at Ascot Park on Friday and Costa Del Magnifico lived up to his name when he won by the biggest margin – eleven and a half lengths.
His time of 2-40.8 with a bit of wind around indicates he's on the road to a better class.
(He does hold the track and Southland record for three year olds for this distance of 2-40.1).
So the plan now is to venture to the big smoke.
"We'll have a look at Addington next week."
"You'd like to hope you're up to that class but he's only C1 and then he'll come back for the Wairio Cup," said trainer Brent Shirley.
The four year old entire by Mach Three was driven with style by junior reinsman Matt Anderson who works for the all conquering All Stars stable in Canterbury.
"He's been bugging me for months."
"He drove for me a few months ago when he first started and I was very impressed by him and the way he asked questions about your horse."
"I said to him I'll give you some decent drives some day."
"He drove Zen Warrior for me at Gore and that was just the perfect drive."
From barrier five Anderson settled second last in the field.
The early leaders were Annajodi, A Damn Good Excuse and Lamborne Road.
With a lap to run Anderson moved Costa Del Magnifico up to sit parked. With 600 metres to run he had the entire pinging along and after he cornered, in the words of commentator Dave McDonald 'gapped them by seven lengths.'
His winning margin was eleven and a half lengths with Changesaw running on for second again.
During some after race banter, it was mentioned that Costa Del Magnifico wouldn't be out of place in the All Stars Stable but as long as 'lucky Sandra' and husband Murray Allen are enjoying the ride, fat chance.
In the next race the couple's luck continued when Bailey's Wish won for the second time in a week.
Bruce Stewart
Reproduced with permission of Southland Harness Racing – Check site here