E B Cochran: Magicool night as Zac banks one for Rob

It was the fairytale that spoilt the fairytale as Magicool swept up the inside to claim the E B Cochran Trotters Cup, an emotional win for reinsman Zac Phillips and trainer Robbie O’Connell.

While many eyes were on the leader as Kerryn Manning controlled the race with Red Hot Tooth in pursuit of win number 4000, Magicool found an opening on the inside and Phillips pounced to turn his trotters promising recent form into a prized trophy.

“Little bit emotional because Rob’s been like a second dad to me, I’ve known him since the day I was born,” Phillips told Trots Vision.

“To drive a Group 2 winner for him, words can’t really express it. It means more than any Group 1 I’ve ever won, that’s for sure.”

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Magicool crossed Sundons Courage early to win an important battle for leader’s back, handing up to Red Hot Tooth when Manning came knocking.

The latter was able to control the race with 33.2 and 30.7sec first and second quarters, leaving plenty in the tank to get home in a 55.2sec last half that would keep the swoopers at bay.

But in the run to the line Red Hot Tooth ran a sulky’s width off the fence, enabling Phillips to bustle through in the inside and Magicool claimed victory by a head, surviving a protest from the second-placed runner.

“To battle it out with one of my old faves Red Hot Tooth, you couldn’t have scripted it any better,” said Phillips, who steered Red Hot Tooth to four Group 1 victories.

“I’m super proud of this horse (Magicool), he’s come a hell of a long way. I’ve got to pay thanks to (previous trainers) Mattie Craven and Chris Svanosio, they did a fantastic job with him.”

A great summer of trotting continues with Saturday’s V L Dullard Trotters Cup with Saturday night, part of Night 2 of the TAB Summer of Glory.

Among early nominations are Kiwi Majestic Man, who Adam Hamilton reported is due to land in Australia on Wednesday, Majestuoso and Sundons Courage, with the $50,000 Group 1 a vital final hit-out before the February 5 What The Hill Great Southern Star.