When it comes to claiming big feature races over the last 12 months, Jason Magri has been so close but so far.
The Kemps Creek mentor has led but been run down in the Ladbrokes Gosford, Bulli and Temora Cups, as well as the Richmond Derby and New Sensation. On each occasion, the likes of Chief Lightning, Speedy Pie and Canya Sapphire have settled for spots on the podium.
He also made finals of the Maitland Cup, National Derby, the Richmond Oaks, Nowra Puppy Classic, Peter Mosman Opal and Vic Peters Classic.
A frustrating run of ‘almost’ moments for Magri who admits he’s still learning how to best deal with disappointment.
Major features may have eluded him but Magri has won 169 races across NSW so far in 2025
“I’m not vocal at all when the dogs are running, I barely make a noise. But I can get pretty emotional once it’s over, especially after being in the lead for so long in some of these big races and getting run down,” he said.
“It’s a tricky spot to be sometimes…behind the boxes. I usually need a minute to myself but there’s nowhere to really go. I blow up a bit but I’m not having a go at other trainers, I’m just disappointed I didn’t win. I think everyone has a laugh at me sometimes but I’m just passionate and want to win.”
“Most of the time, I think about what could have been on the drive home but once we’re back at the house, we regroup and we go again.”
Magri forcing his way into another massive decider on Friday night, with Canya Sapphire qualifying for the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase (MDC) grand final after a strong semi-final victory in 29.59.
The daughter of Bernardo x Opal Rocks following in the footsteps of kennelmate Zipping Megatron who ran second in the race behind Blue Kermaro in 2024.
“We got so close last year…I remember when Megatron took off down the back, I thought he was the winner,” Magri recalled.
“I said to myself “he’s home” because I knew how strong he was. But he had to switch off heels at the top of the home straight, lost momentum and just couldn’t pick the winner up.”
The final margin just 0.75 of a length. The difference in prizemoney, a neat $900,000.
It’s a race pattern Magri can’t afford to repeat on Friday night with Canya Sapphire a bold front-running type.
“She has to lead to win, there’s no other option. If she gets in front without trouble, the best she can run is 29.4 and even that might not be enough,” Magri laughed.
“It looks like my girl, Eriza Sparkles and My Boy Bingo are the speed dogs and will all squeeze each other in the run to the first turn. Eriza Sparkles and my bitch can go 5.35 to the mark but we need to lead her as she is capable of running 29.2 or better.”
“And if Power And Glory or Daysea’s Rory get on the back of Canya Sapphire up the back, she won’t be able to hold them off.”
“A win would be life changing. The Golden Easter Egg was always the most prestigious race growing up and that’s the race I always wanted to win…but the Million Dollar Chase is worth so much money so it’d be bloody nice to take out too.”
The eighth running of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase grand final (Race 8) will take place on Friday, October 17 at Wentworth Park.
The Group 2 Sydney Cup, the MDC Consolation, the Masters Meteor, the Young Star and the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase Maiden finals will also be run and won on the night.
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