Melbourne, July 23 – Magic Albert edged closer to his century of winners for the season with a winning double at Geelong on Friday.
Breaking through for his first win in the opening race was four year old gelding Bennati, who was followed not long after by the Robert Smerdon trained filly Tai Tai Tess, who created a big impression when bolting clear to win with ease.
Improving on a last start third, Tai Tai Tess was driven forward from a wide gate to sit outside the leader by Craig Newitt and then dropped her rivals cold in the straight, bounding away to win the 1300 metre open maiden by four and a half lengths.
Tai Tai Tess was purchased by her trainer for $31,000 from the Racetree draft during Session Five at Magic Millions and is the third winner from the Last Tycoon (IRE) mare Tycoon Tess, a half-sister to Group II winner Delta Form and daughter of dual Group I winner Arborea.
Bennati and Tai Tai Tess are the 97th and 98th Australian winners for Magic Albert, who has been enjoying his best ever season and stands at a fee of $16,500.
