Cody Mo is expecting to break new ground next Tuesday (1 October) by saddling his first runner in a Group race in Hong Kong when Magic Control contests the HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin.
Mo, 46, commenced his training career last season with 20 wins. He’s added a further two to his tally this term, while before being awarded a licence to train, Mo previously worked with Tony Cruz when the legendary figure had Silent Witness and Bullish Luck in his stable.
The 85-rating Magic Control is Mo’s leading horse, one of 64 registered under his care.
“He had very good form overseas in Australia. His next race will be on the 1st of October, the 1000 metre Group 3 race – I hope he will keep going,” Mo said.
Magic Control won the 2023 G3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley before arriving in Hong Kong. The four-year-old was previously known as Archo Nacho in Australia and trained by Matt Laurie, where he also won once at Flemington.
The chestnut gelding prevailed comfortably first-up down the straight at Sha Tin in Class 3 under Matthew Chadwick, who will ride the speedster again. The Group 1-winning Invincible Sage is a likely opponent to Magic Control in next Tuesday’s feature.
“His first run, the time was very quick (55.74s). Also, he’ll carry a light weight in this race, so I think he’ll have a good chance,” Mo said.
Magic Control was Mo’s first win this season, while Sugar Ball was his second last Sunday (22 September). The handler attributes some of his early season success to Conghua.
“Conghua has helped a lot, sending horses up there – they’re more relaxed and come along faster. The facility is great – it has an uphill gallop, water walker,” Mo said.