Exciting young stayer Magpie Hector is bound for The Q in the New Year.
But before heading north, on Saturday night he runs as one of the hot chances in the Christmas Cheer (720m) at Wentworth Park.
Raced by Andrew Walker, his family, and a host of mates, Magpie Hector (Feral Franky – Foxy Bourbski) is trained by Jack Smith at Forbes and the training great has a huge opinion of the dog.
Magpie Hector is a litter brother to G1 Topgun and G1 Maturity winner Slick Splits (13 wins, $333,000).
Smith is more than happy to have Magpie Hector from the litter, even though it also contains Slick Splits.
Magpie Hector
Magpie Hector has raced just 20 times for 10 wins and $47,000 but Smith is buoyant about his future as a stayer.
He stepped up in distance late in October and made the G1 Hume Cup Final (600m), finishing fourth to Accredited who made the form look even better with third in last Saturday night's G1 The Phoenix and a finals berth in the G1 Melbourne Cup.
Magpie Hector went 41.71 winning over 720m at Wentworth Park on December 4, scoring by seven lengths over Vodka And Ice.
"He's still got a bit to go but he certainly has the ability," said Jack Smith.
Jack and Michael Walker have been racing dogs together "for 20 or 30 years", so it was natural when Michael's sons grew up they too would be just as keen on the industry.
"The sons are mad punters and just love the dogs," said Smith.
Plans for Magpie Hector include the Queensland Summer Carnival, which runs during January and February.
"There are a lot of good races coming up at The Q, and just one of them will do us," said Jack.
"There are good races on at Gosford and Sale over Christmas, but we will stay home and look at travelling with him in the New Year.
"It will be a good test for our dog to see where he is at."
Magpie Hector will start a warm favourite in the Christmas Cheer after the scratching of last year's winner Late Night News.
